The Land Consolidation Program is designed to provide an opportunity for non-farm landowners and retiring farmers to sell granted (freehold) land to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. This will allow the Government to make it available to existing commercial farmers, part-time farmers or new entrants aspiring towards commercial farming who are in need of additional land.
The Government will act only as an alternative to the normal real estate market.
This program is in effect for five years and will be reviewed on a yearly basis. Review of applications will be made on a first come, first serve basis. However, negotiations will be based on cost, suitability, proximity to existing farms and other relevant factors.
Eligibility
Anyone wishing to sell their property to the Government must comply with the following eligibility criteria:
- Land must be suitable for agriculture production and not have any restrictions (i.e., covenants, zoning, environmental limitations, etc.) which may exclude its use for agriculture.
- If the land is to be subdivided, the subdivision must conform to all provincial, federal and municipal regulations governing such subdivision (i.e., the Lands Act, Municipal Plan, the Agriculture Areas Development Regulations, and the Family Law Act).
- Acceptable title must be certified by the Department of Justice.
- The negotiated price will not be based solely on suitability for agriculture. An appraisal by a certified Appraiser may be required and may be the basis for the purchase offer.
- The land must have a legal survey or survey certificate acceptable to the Crown Lands Branch, Department of Environment and Conservation.
- The Review Committee shall determine if an environmental audit/clearance is required before the property is purchased.
Procedure
- Applications must be submitted by completing the attached form.
- A separate application must be submitted for each parcel of land that the owner wishes to sell.
- Generally, the review of applications will be made on a first come, first serve basis. However, negotiations will be based on cost, agricultural suitability, proximity to existing farms and other relevant factors.
- All applicants will be notified in writing by the Chairperson of the Review Committee as to whether or not the Government will proceed with negotiations.
- For applications deemed suitable, the Government will enter into negotiations with the owner to determine an agreement for price and conditions. A negotiator from the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency will deal directly with the owner on a confidential basis.
- Where agreement on price cannot be obtained, the Review Committee will inform the Minister of Natural Resources. The Minister then has the option of accepting or rejecting their recommendation.
Application Form (55 KB)
Contact
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