MinAgricultura designated, Indalecio Dangond, warns by decree for the rapid delivery of rural estates in extinction of domain

Colombian Agriculture Minister Designee Warns Against Rushing Land Transfers Under Extinction of Domain Process Indalecio Dangond, the newly appointed minister of agriculture under President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella, issued a warning through decree regarding the accelerated transfer of rural properties under the extinction of domain process. The decree, numbered 765 of 2026, has raised serious concerns among agricultural stakeholders, according to Dangond. He emphasized that the policy risks undermining the legal integrity of land transfers and could lead to disputes over property rights. Dangond announced a “reforestation livestock program” as part of his broader vision for agricultural reform. However, he stressed that this initiative must be grounded in legality and due process. He pointed out that the government is accelerating the transfer of rural properties managed by the Society of Special Assets (SAE) to the National Lands Agency (ANT). This move occurs even as some properties are still undergoing the extinction of domain process, which typically involves verifying ownership claims and resolving legal conflicts before finalizing transfers. The minister warned that many of these properties have not undergone the necessary judicial clearance. As a result, their legal status remains uncertain, potentially leading to future challenges. Dangond argued that the field requires productive land, but also clear rules, fair procedures, and respect for the rights of farmers, landowners, good faith third parties, and victims of past land disputes. He further stated that the current approach could compromise the rule of law and undermine the stability of land tenure. “The countryside needs productive land, but also clear rules, due process, and respect for the rights of farmers, landowners, third parties of good faith, and victims,” Dangond said during his public statement. In response to these concerns, the incoming administration announced plans to review the scope of Decree 765 to ensure that land policies advance with legal certainty, judicial security, and full adherence to the rule of law. This decision reflects growing pressure within the agricultural sector to balance efficiency with fairness in land distribution. The Society of Special Assets (SAE) plays a central role in managing assets that have been declared in extinction of domain. These include properties seized due to unpaid taxes, illegal occupation, or other legal violations. The SAE’s responsibility is to resolve ownership claims and determine whether such properties should be transferred to the state or made available for redistribution. The National Lands Agency (ANT) is tasked with overseeing land distribution and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Its involvement in transferring properties from SAE to the public sector highlights the complexity of Colombia’s land reform agenda. While the goal is to increase access to land for marginalized communities, the rapid pace of transfers has sparked fears of legal loopholes and potential misuse of the system. Legal experts and agricultural representatives have expressed concern that the current framework lacks sufficient safeguards against premature transfers. They argue that without proper due diligence, the process could inadvertently benefit individuals who do not meet the criteria for land acquisition, thereby violating the rights of existing landowners and legitimate claimants. The incoming government’s commitment to reviewing the decree signals a shift toward more cautious and legally sound approaches to land reform. This move comes amid ongoing debates over how best to address historical inequalities in land ownership while maintaining the integrity of the legal system. As the new administration prepares to take office, the focus will likely remain on balancing the urgent need for land redistribution with the imperative to uphold legal principles.