Photo: Saskatchewan farmland for sale
By: Carol Baldwin,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wakaw Recorder
The Government of Saskatchewan announced, in April, that it was beginning a comprehensive review of the province’s Farm Security Act. “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,” said Agriculture Minister David Marit in a news release at the time.
The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act has not undergone review or amendment since 2015, aside from changes implemented in 2016. The most significant of which made pension plans, administrators of pension funds, and larger trusts ineligible to purchase farmland. The Act outlines specific individuals and entities that are prohibited from holding any “land holding” in farmland. “Land holdings” are broadly defined to include not only ownership, but also other interests in farmland, such as leasehold interests, interests under purchase and sale agreements, and any agreements that directly or indirectly result in transfer of farmland title. The Farmland Ownership Advisory Committee is currently leading a review of the Act, with any proposed legislative changes anticipated by spring 2027.
On October 6, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture announced the formation of a Farm Land Ownership Advisory Committee to consult with industry stakeholders and provide recommendations on ways to strengthen the province’s farmland ownership framework. “Farmland ownership is an important issue to the people of this province,” Committee Chair Ken McDonald said in a release. “And it is our task to review current regulations and to make sure that managing this valuable asset remains a priority.”
The review is also exploring opportunities to improve ownership verification, strengthen penalty and enforcement tools, modernize definitions, and boost reporting obligations and the oversight of permanent residents.
“Our farmland is one of Saskatchewan’s greatest assets, and it’s important that the rules around who can own and use it keep pace with the realities of farming today,” SARM president Bill Huber said in a news release. “This review is a good chance to make sure the Act continues to protect family farms and support the future of our rural communities.”
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, the Wheat Growers Association, along with other stakeholders, also applauded the April announcement of the review.
As the review has progressed, the Government of Saskatchewan is now seeking input through a public survey available at saskatchewan.ca/farmland-consultation, as part of the comprehensive process.
“Our government wants to hear from Saskatchewan producers and residents about The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “Farmland is one of Saskatchewan’s most valuable assets, and we want to ensure the legislative framework governing its ownership and protection continues to meet the needs of Saskatchewan people.”
The online survey is expected to take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and all answers are confidential. The survey will gather information on the perceptions, use and effectiveness of the Act, including farmland ownership, home quarter protection, and farm foreclosure protections.
The survey remains open until November 30, 2026, after which the survey data will be utilized in the review of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act to ensure potential changes continue to meet the needs of Saskatchewan people.