The Government of Saskatchewan is launching a comprehensive review of the province’s farm land ownership legislation to ensure the rules keep pace with the modern agricultural industry.
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On April 14, Agriculture minister David Marit announced the province will examine The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act through a series of public and stakeholder consultations. The move follows an initial study by the Farm Land Ownership Advisory Committee.
“This review will ensure any potential changes to The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act are done right and continue to meet the needs of Saskatchewan producers,” Marit said in a news release.
The initial review, which included consultations with the real estate, legal and financial sectors, found no evidence of foreign entities currently owning Saskatchewan farm land under the existing rules. This conclusion matches a recent report from the Provincial Auditor.
Despite those findings, the government plans to look for ways to modernize the Act. The upcoming review will focus on:
- Improving ownership verification processes.
- Strengthening enforcement tools and penalties for non-compliance.
- Updating legal definitions to reflect current business practices.
- Increasing oversight and reporting requirements for permanent residents.
The province also intends to review sections of the Act regarding farm security and “home quarter” protection — rules that help protect a farmer’s primary residence from creditors during financial instability.
Industry groups, including the Saskatchewan Cattle Association and the Wheat Growers Association, expressed support for the review, noting that transparency is vital for maintaining a level playing field for local producers.
“Our farmland is one of Saskatchewan’s greatest assets,” said Bill Huber, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. “It’s important that the rules around who can own and use it keep pace with the realities of farming today.”
The government has not yet provided a specific timeline for the public consultation phase.
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