Farmland
Farm Property Class Taxation Program
Farms which meet the following eligibility requirements are entitled to be taxed at 25% of the municipal residential tax rate: The property must be assessed as farmland by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). The farm must generate a gross income of at least $7,000 as reported for income tax purposes. Some exceptions may apply. The farm requires a valid Farm Business Registration number, unless one of the exemptions applies and is granted. More than 50 percent of the property ownership must be held by a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. If the property is owned by a business which is a sole proprietorship, the owner must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
For more detailed information, please see the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs website
Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program
The Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program (SARFIP), offered by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, is being administered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Association as part of the Environmental Farm Plan. The purpose of the program is to encourage the protection of habitat of species at risk, without an undue sacrifice of income from your agricultural land. Successful applicants may receive reimbursement for up to 100 percent of the costs of eligible projects up to a maximum of $20,000.
Some of the eligible projects covered by SARFIP include: Upland and Riparian Area Habitat Management Erosion Control Structures in Riparian Areas Shelterbelt and Native Vegetation Establishment Resource Planning.
To view a full list of eligible projects and learn about the application process, you can download the SARFIP Brochure. Applicants must first have a Third Edition Environmental Farm Plan approved.
This program is administered by the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association and inquiries may be made through the OSCIA Workshop Leader..