Abstract
This article analyses the scientific approaches used for the development of a classification system for agricultural lands in Kazakhstan, based on approaches adopted in the Russian Federation and European Union (EU). The study involved the assessment of territories with regard to their economy and social sphere, environmental conditions, quality of life of the rural population, remoteness from major cities, demographics, soil quality, climate, availability of labour and other resources, level of diversification and relevance of legal framework to socio economic development. In determining the criteria for identifying regions unfavourable for agriculture, the approach adopted in the EU is recommended: one of the important indicators showing that an area is not favourable for agriculture is the reluctance of investors to support development. Specific features such as excessive remoteness from marketing outlets, the presence of exposed border areas, rural population abandonment; high unemployment and low incomes; poor infrastructure; and low levels of agricultural development should also be taken into account. This article classifies land unfavourable for agriculture to identify territories that will require additional state subsidy to support development.