Overview
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
Department of Natural Resources 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.
Forms/Applications
Contact information:
Land Consolidation Review Committee
c/o Secretary
Land Resource Stewardship Division
Department of Natural Resources
P. O. Box 8700, Provincial Agriculture
Building
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
randytucker@gov.nl.ca
(709)729-6758
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