Finding land is a major challenge for new and expanding farmers. Prices are high, and good parcels can be hard to find. Many farmers don’t have the equity banks require. Governments help by offering land access programs. These include long-term leases, purchase support, and revitalization loans. Programs like Agricultural Land Accessibility and Enhancement in New Brunswick help by providing repayable support to improve and expand farmland, making it easier for farmers to start or grow their operations.
This guide explains how each option works, when to use it, and how public funding can reduce your upfront risk. Tools like GrantHub can help you find the right programs for your situation.
Most Canadian farm businesses use one or a mix of these approaches as they grow.
Land access programs connect farmers with available land and help improve access to underused parcels. These programs are popular with new and expanding farms.
Example: BC Land Matching Program (BCLMP)
The BC Land Matching Program links farmers who need land with landowners who want their land used for farming. The program supports lease agreements, succession plans, and shared-use models. There is no direct cash funding, but you get matching services, agreement templates, and advisory support.
Best for:
These programs often work well with provincial enhancement or clearing loans.
Leasing is the most common way to start farming. You operate the land without owning it.
Typical lease structures:
Why leases matter for funding:
Many land improvement and revitalization programs accept leased land. The lease usually needs to be long enough (often 5–10 years) and registered.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find programs by province and check if leased land is allowed.
Buying land is expensive. Some provinces offer repayable funding, like low-interest loans, to help reduce your reliance on commercial lenders.
Example: Plant Your Roots Program — Nova Scotia
This program helps first-time commercial farm buyers in Nova Scotia.
Key details:
This funding is often combined with bank loans and personal savings.
Some land exists but isn’t usable yet. Revitalization programs help pay for work to bring land back into production.
Example: Agricultural Land Accessibility and Enhancement (New Brunswick)
This program helps farmers improve and expand agricultural land for crops and livestock. It provides repayable assistance (loan-style support) for:
Funding structure:
These loans are often used for:
Many farms combine these approaches over time. For example:
Sequencing matters. Applying too late or without the right agreement in place is a common reason for rejection.
Lease terms that are too short
Many land improvement programs require long-term control. Leases of only 1–3 years usually aren’t enough.
Thinking repayable funding is a grant
Programs like Plant Your Roots and Agricultural Land Accessibility and Enhancement must be paid back. Plan your cash flow carefully.
Not registering the farm properly
Several programs require registration under provincial farm acts before you apply.
Starting land work before approval
Costs made before written approval are often ineligible.
Q: Is Agricultural Land Accessibility and Enhancement a grant or a loan?
It is repayable assistance. This means it is a government-backed loan for specific land improvement activities.
Q: Can I apply if I lease the land instead of owning it?
Sometimes. Many programs allow leased land, but only if the lease term is long enough and clearly documented.
Q: How much land do I need to qualify for purchase programs?
There is no set acreage. Programs like Plant Your Roots focus on commercial viability, registration status, and income thresholds.
Q: Are land matching programs available outside BC?
Yes. BC Land Matching is well known, but similar services exist through non-profits and provincial initiatives in other regions.
Q: Is repayable funding considered taxable income?
Repayable assistance is usually not treated as income, but check with your accountant and review your agreement.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active agricultural and land-based funding programs across Canada. Search GrantHub to find programs that fit your farm’s needs, or use the eligibility matcher to see what you qualify for.
Land access is rarely simple. The best mix of leasing, purchase support, and revitalization loans depends on your stage, location, and cash flow. Before you commit to a parcel or sign a lease, check which programs you qualify for now and which ones you can plan for next. GrantHub is updated regularly with new programs and changes, making it a reliable resource as you plan your next steps.
See also:
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