The Ministry of Agriculture has released the results of the farmland ownership consultation that began in May of this year and closed in August. The position of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is that farmland in Saskatchewan should be owned and farmed by people that want to live and work in Saskatchewan.
SARM has been closely following this issue and ensuring that its member’s views on the issue are heard by the Government of Saskatchewan. The Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Lyle Stewart, was informed of SARM’s position at an in-person meeting with stakeholders. SARM President Ray Orb stated, “SARM believes that farmland in Saskatchewan should be owned by Saskatchewan farmers and not foreign interests or pension plans.” As seen in the survey results, this is the dominant view of the public in Saskatchewan. Many producer groups will be pleased with these results including SARM.
SARM President Ray Orb said, “these results demonstrate what the people of Saskatchewan believe should be done in regards to farmland ownership rules. We are looking forward to legislative and regulatory changes that will occur to satisfy these views.”
The positive results will ensure that Saskatchewan farmland continues to be farmed by Saskatchewan families.
These families will reside in rural Saskatchewan and contribute to their local communities, strengthening the economy and social ties.
As the Government of Saskatchewan deliberates on next steps SARM will confidently wait as it knows the results will be favourable for farmland ownership rules.
