Property taxes can be a major cost for farm owners in New Brunswick, especially as land values rise. The New Brunswick Farm Land Identification Program helps reduce that pressure by deferring a portion of property taxes on eligible agricultural land and buildings. If you own or operate farmland in the province, this program can lower your annual tax burden while you keep the land in agricultural use.
The Farm Land Identification Program (FLIP) is a provincial tax deferral program run by the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. Its goal is to encourage the long-term use of land for agriculture by reducing property tax costs for farmers.
Here’s how it works:
This is not a grant or rebate. It is an ongoing property tax deferral tied to how the land is used.
To apply for the New Brunswick Farm Land Identification Program, you must meet all program requirements at the time of application.
The program focuses on preserving land for farming. Residential properties, non-farm commercial buildings, or land not used for agriculture are generally not eligible.
The program provides a 50% deferral on total property taxes for approved farmland and qualifying outbuildings.
Important details to understand:
If the land use changes or eligibility is lost, deferred taxes may become payable in the future.
Applying is straightforward, but accuracy matters.
Confirm eligibility
Complete the application form
Submit supporting documentation
Wait for assessment
There is no fixed annual intake deadline listed publicly. Applications are typically accepted on an ongoing basis, but approval timing can vary.
If you are considering several agriculture-related programs, you can use resources like GrantHub to see which supports are available in New Brunswick for your type of farm.
Once approved, your responsibilities do not end.
You must:
Failure to meet program conditions can result in removal from the program and potential repayment of deferred taxes.
Assuming FLIP is a cash grant
This program does not pay money to your business. It defers a portion of property taxes.
Applying land that is not actively farmed
Idle or non-agricultural land usually does not qualify.
Including residential buildings
Farm houses and personal residences are typically excluded.
Not reporting land use changes
Selling, leasing, or changing how the land is used can affect eligibility and future taxes.
Q: Is the New Brunswick Farm Land Identification Program a grant or a tax credit?
It is neither. The program is a property tax deferral, meaning part of your taxes are postponed while the land stays in agricultural use.
Q: Who can apply for the program?
Farmers and owners or operators of agricultural land located in New Brunswick are eligible to apply, provided the land meets program criteria.
Q: How long does the tax deferral last?
The deferral continues as long as the land remains eligible and is used for agriculture. There is no fixed end date if conditions are maintained.
Q: What happens if I stop farming the land?
If land use changes, the property may be removed from the program. Deferred taxes could become payable depending on the circumstances.
Q: Do farm outbuildings qualify?
Yes. Agricultural outbuildings that directly support farm operations can be included if they meet eligibility requirements.
If you want to improve your farm management or learn about other supports for New Brunswick farmers, check out these resources:
The New Brunswick Farm Land Identification Program can reduce ongoing property tax costs if your land qualifies and stays in agricultural use. For more information about agriculture and tax-related programs across Canada, you can use GrantHub to stay up-to-date and see which supports best fit your farm’s needs.
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