Farm Ownership

Saskatchewan's Farm Ownership legislation is found in The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act (Act).

The Farm Land Security Board administers and enforces Farm Ownership legislation in Saskatchewan. It has the authority to exempt an interest in farm land held by non-eligible entities. It also has the authority to order fines and penalties: and has the authority to issue land divestment orders to non-eligible entities.

Individuals and entities eligible to hold an interest in Saskatchewan farm land include: Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada, and corporations or membership-based organizations which are 100 per cent Canadian-owned, and are not publicly traded, are eligible to own Saskatchewan farm land. Designated relatives acquiring land from eligible Canadian residents may also own Saskatchewan farm land.

Individuals and entities not eligible to hold an interest in Saskatchewan farm land include: Individuals who are not Canadian citizens or are not permanent residents of Canada and entities totally or partly owned or controlled by non-Canadians are not eligible to own Saskatchewan farm land. Ineligible individuals or entities must apply to the Farm Land Security Board for an Exemption to acquire an interest in more than 10 acres of farm land in Saskatchewan. Exemption application forms are available by selecting either a corporate or non-resident application.

Corporate or Membership Entity Exemption Form

or

Non-resident Exemption Form

Farm Ownership Rules

The following documents will be of interest to persons examining Saskatchewan Farm Ownership rules;

Farmland Ownership Declaration - Corporation

Farmland Ownership Declaration - Individual(s)

Farm Ownership Exemption Information Package - PDF

Farm Ownership Decisions

Farm Ownership Exemptions

Recreational Property Exemption Policy

In the event a proposed farm land acquisition by a non-resident will exceed 10 acres an application for exemption must be submitted and an exemption obtained. The Board has developed policy respecting the acquisition of farm land for recreational purposes and will consider the following criteria when an application for exemption is submitted:

1. That the property is of minimal agricultural use;
2. That no impediment to the subdivision exists, either through the zoning by-laws or topographical terrain;
3. That a habitable dwelling be erected within 2 years from the date of acquisition;
4. That there be no erection of wildlife-restrictive fencing;
5. That proof [exists] that the vendor has advertised the property to Canadians in a widely-distributed newspaper.

Farm Ownership Eligibility questions and questions concerning exemption applications may be directed to the Board office at 306-787-5047; Fax: 306-787-8599; or by emailing the Farm Land Security Board office.