Farm Land Identification Program (FLIP)
NB, Canada
New Brunswick property tax deferral for farmland preservation
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 09, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Tax Credits
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of New Brunswick
- Aquaculture and Fisheries (NB)
- Department of Agriculture
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Landowners are encouraged to preserve real property for agriculture through this program: 50% of the total taxes deferred on eligible farmland and outbuildings.
grant_single_labels|projects
The eligible geographical areas for companies applying for this grant are not explicitly mentioned in the provided context. This grant appears to be specific to the province of New Brunswick.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$5,000
Create a permaculture garden on 15 acres of farmland
$7,500
Develop a sustainable farming initiative on 30 acres of land
$7,500
Establish a community farm on 40 acres of preserved land
$5,000
Conserve 25 acres for educational farming programs
$7,500
Preserve 50 acres of farmland for community-supported agriculture
$5,000
Convert 20 acres of farmland into organic agriculture
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this program is based on specific criteria related to the ownership and status of the real property.
- The applicant must be an owner of real property.
- The real property must meet the criteria as set by the Farm Land Identification Program Regulation.
- The land must either be in active use by an agricultural operation or be suitable for such use as defined in the Act.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
All owners of real property are eligible to apply for the grant under the Farm Land Identification Program. To qualify, the property must be registered in the program, which requires the land to be either actively in use by an agricultural operation or meet suitability criteria for agricultural use as defined by the relevant Act.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available for real property owners who are part of the Farm Land Identification Program in New Brunswick, Canada. The program aims to support the preservation of farmland specifically within this province.
- New Brunswick, Canada
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Assess Eligibility
- Review the Farm Land Identification Program Regulation to ensure your property meets the eligibility criteria.
- Ensure your farmland is in active agricultural use or suitable for such use.
- Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
- Obtain the Property Account Number (PAN) for the land you wish to register.
- Prepare detailed information about your agricultural operation and how the land is used.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Download or request the application form from the program's administrative office.
- Fill out all required fields accurately, providing comprehensive details about your property and agricultural activities.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Send the completed application form and all supporting documents to the Crop Sector Development Branch via email at DAAF-MAAP@gnb.ca or mail to 1350 Regent Street, Fredericton.
- Step 5: Application Review and Monitoring
- The department will evaluate your application to confirm eligibility.
- Ongoing eligibility will be monitored post-registration to ensure compliance with program criteria.
grant_single_labels|contact
DAAF-MAAP@gnb.ca
1-800-669-7070
Apply to this program
Encourage Agricultural Preservation Through Tax Deferral
The Farm Land Identification Program (FLIP) offers property owners in New Brunswick a chance to defer provincial property taxes on eligible agricultural land, aiming to promote the sustained use of land for farming purposes. Participating landowners benefit from reduced immediate tax liabilities while committing to maintaining their primary property for agricultural activities.
Deep Dive into the Farm Land Identification Program (FLIP)
New Brunswick’s Farm Land Identification Program is a strategic initiative focused on preserving and encouraging the use of land for agricultural purposes by offering significant financial incentives. The program is structured to support landowners who align their property use with agricultural goals, helping to sustain the province's agricultural industry while fostering responsible land stewardship. At its core, FLIP is a voluntary program that encourages the preservation of farmland through a tax deferral mechanism, thereby reducing financial pressures on landowners and allowing more land to remain dedicated to agricultural production.
The impetus behind FLIP is to mitigate urban sprawl and land conversion pressures by financially incentivizing landowners to maintain the agricultural designation of their properties. The program provides a clever financial tool for qualified landowners, allowing them to defer provincial real property taxes on the assessed value of their farmland and associated outbuildings. Moreover, the deferral extends to the portion of local tax rates exceeding the provincial average, further enhancing financial benefits.
Participants must commit to keeping their land within the agricultural sphere, either actively farming or preserving it in a condition that remains suitable for future agricultural use, as stipulated by the Act. The aim is to cultivate a symbiotic relationship between property owners and the agricultural sector, ensuring continued availability of land for cultivation while enhancing economic stability for those within the agricultural community.
However, registering with FLIP comes with a significant long-term commitment. Withdrawing or deregistering land from the program triggers a financial obligation to pay back deferred tax amounts and interest, which could extend up to a maximum of 15 years. The potential financial burden of exiting the program, including accrued interest limited to a maximum of 50% of total deferred taxes since deregistration policy changes in September 2007, necessitates serious consideration and long-term planning from participants.
FLIP is a critical component of New Brunswick’s broader strategy to support rural economies and preserve the natural landscape by encouraging agricultural land use over other forms of development. By providing a straightforward mechanism for property tax deferral, the program aims to attract more landowners to maintain agricultural land in a viable state, thus supporting the longevity and sustainability of the sector.
Landowners contemplating involvement in FLIP should carefully evaluate their long-term land use plans and financial strategies. The program’s design is ideal for those committed to maintaining agricultural endeavors, promoting environmental sustainability, and benefiting from financial relief. New Brunswick’s approach exemplifies a proactive policy model targeting the dual goals of economic support for agricultural operators and the conservation of valuable farmland.
Those interested in exploring this opportunity can apply for participation by contacting the Crop Sector Development branch in Fredericton or by liaising with the Department of Finance for detailed guidance and assessment of eligibility. Additionally, property owners have the option to request a detailed statement of deferred tax obligations to aid in financial planning before fully committing to the program.
