Saskatchewan will launch a comprehensive review of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, with the province planning additional public and stakeholder consultations after an initial assessment found no evidence of unauthorized foreign ownership of farmland.
Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a news release Tuesday the broader review is intended to ensure any future changes to the legislation are carefully considered and continue to serve the interests of Saskatchewan producers. The process follows work by the Farm Land Ownership Advisory Committee, which consulted leaders in agriculture, real estate, legal and financial services and conducted its own research into farmland ownership patterns across the province.
That initial review found no evidence of foreign ownership under the current legislative framework, a conclusion that echoed findings from the Provincial Auditor, which also reported no instances of unauthorized foreign ownership of Saskatchewan farmland.
The new review will examine possible ways to improve ownership verification, modernize definitions within the Act, strengthen enforcement and penalty tools, and enhance reporting obligations and oversight related to permanent residents. It will also look beyond the issues reviewed by the advisory committee, including farm security provisions and home quarter protection, in an effort to keep the legislation relevant as agriculture and farm business structures continue to change.
Producer groups welcomed the move, saying consultations will be important in maintaining fairness and transparency in farmland ownership rules. Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga said producers want a level playing field, while Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross said protecting pasture and hayland is critical for beef producers and rural communities.
