Farm taxes are coming under review by the Alberta government.
A series of public meetings will be held this fall to discuss recommendations on assessment and taxation of farm property, said a government announcement.
The municipal government act was passed in 1995 and adjustments to farm tax policy were requested.
Taxpayers will be asked to evaluate how farmland is valued for assessment purposes, what should be considered farming operations and farm residence exemptions.
A new definition of farm operations would include the raising and production of primary agricultural commodities on a commercial basis. This includes field crops, horticultural crops including sod, flowers and nursery stock, fish and fur farming, beekeeping, livestock, woodlots and storage of primary products.
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Consideration would also be given to revising the way intensive livestock operations are taxed. The land base is often small, but the value of production is high.
Other recommendations call for a new definition of farm operations, assessment of woodlots based on their productive value and allowing municipalities to apply different tax rates on farm property depending on the type of operation.
Public meetings will be held at the following locations:
Westlock: Oct. 20, 1 p.m.,
Westlock Inn
Drayton Valley: Oct. 21, 1 p.m.,
Legion Hall
Fairview: Oct. 22, 9 a.m.,
Dunvegan Motor Inn
Valleyview: Oct. 22 , 7 p.m.,
Memorial Hall
Brooks: Oct. 26, 1 p.m.,
Heritage Inn
Picture Butte: Oct. 27, 9 a.m.,
Seniors Community Centre
Olds: Oct. 28, 9 a.m., Legion Hall
Lacombe: Oct. 28, 7 p.m.,
Memorial Centre
St. Paul: Nov. 3, 1 p.m., Senior
Citizens Club Hall
Killam: Nov. 4, 1 p.m.,
Community Centre
