Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Buying Agricultural Land in Canada: 2025 Guide

Agricultural land is a unique asset class in Canada — it produces income, appreciates over time, and plays a critical role in food security. Whether you're a farmer looking to expand, an investor considering land, or a new producer entering the industry, this guide covers the full landscape of agricultural land ownership in Canada.

Agricultural Land Prices by Province

Average farmland values vary significantly across Canada:

• Ontario — Some of the highest prices in the country, $15,000–$35,000+ per acre near major centres
• British Columbia — Variable; lower in the Peace Country ($2,000–$5,000), very high near Vancouver
• Alberta — $3,000–$12,000+ depending on region and irrigation access
• Saskatchewan — $800–$3,500+ per acre depending on soil zone
• Manitoba — $2,000–$6,000 per acre for cropland
• Quebec — High in the St. Lawrence lowlands, lower in outlying regions

Foreign Ownership Restrictions

Several provinces restrict foreign ownership of agricultural land. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have historically had restrictions on non-resident land ownership. At the federal level, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act does not apply to agricultural land, but provincial laws vary. Non-residents considering agricultural land investment should consult legal counsel familiar with provincial property law.

Financing Options for Agricultural Land

The primary agricultural land lenders in Canada are Farm Credit Canada (FCC), provincial Crown corporations (AFSC in Alberta, FADQ in Quebec, MASC in Manitoba), chartered banks with agricultural divisions, and credit unions. Down payments of 200–300% are typically required as CMHC insurance is not available for agricultural land.

Agricultural Land as an Investment

Canadian farmland has delivered strong long-term returns driven by rising commodity prices, global food demand, and limited supply of prime agricultural land. However, agricultural land is illiquid, requires management expertise, and faces risks from climate, commodity prices, and government policy. Investors without farming backgrounds often lease land to tenant farmers.

Tax Considerations

Selling agricultural land in Canada can trigger capital gains, but the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) provides a deduction for qualified farm property. For 2025, the exemption amount exceeds $1 million. Planning the purchase and eventual sale around tax considerations, with help from an agricultural accountant, can significantly improve after-tax returns.

Land Transfer Taxes

Land transfer taxes apply in most provinces at purchase. Exceptions include Saskatchewan and Alberta, which have no provincial land transfer tax. Ontario, BC, Manitoba, and Quebec all charge land transfer taxes that increase total acquisition costs. This is an important factor when comparing investment across provinces.