New report recommends stronger measures, but Sask. agriculture minister says processes have already been improved
REGINA — Agriculture minister Daryl Harrison is confident there is no unauthorized foreign ownership of Saskatchewan farmland. He said processes at the Farm Land Security Board were already being improved before last week’s report from provincial auditor Tara Clemett, which recommended stronger procedures. Related story in this issue: “I don’t think they completely know,” she […] Read moreTag Archives farmland ownership
Farm Land Security Board needs to do better
Saskatchewan’s provincial auditor has identified a number of shortcomings in how the Farm Land Security Board regulates the purchase of farmland by foreign, non-eligible entities. Unfortunately, rather than embracing the auditor’s recommendations, the newly re-elected Saskatchewan Party government seems oblivious to the concerns. Related story in this issue: Let’s start with a bit of history. […] Read more
Chinese trade tensions worry U.S. agriculture
SASKATOON — There is plenty of handwringing in the U.S. agriculture sector about its tenuous trade relationship with China. That was the theme of a recent webinar hosted by the Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics. Related stories: • New trade war would slash U.S. exports: report • China threat on canola unpalatable, not […] Read more
Ag should prepare for shifting political winds
This is being written one day ahead of Saskatchewan election results. My prediction, for what it’s worth, is an NDP win. If that’s the case, a lot of farm organizations are going to wish they had taken more opportunities to connect with the NDP while the party was in opposition. A year ago, the NDP […] Read more
Leader hopes rural voters will see NDP option
The first woman elected to lead the Saskatchewan NDP says it’s time for a change when voters go to the polls Oct. 28
REGINA — Saskatchewan election campaigns are largely fought in the cities these days. It’s been years since party leaders took buses around the province, hitting every nook and cranny in their bids for votes. Today, they’re more likely to be found travelling Highway 11 between Regina and Saskatoon with a few side trips to smaller […] Read more
Farmland ownership issue resonates with voters
Many Saskatchewan residents may not even be aware that a Progressive Conservative party still exists in their province, much less know that the current leader is someone named Rose Buscholl. However, Buscholl and her party have tapped into a key concern — farmland ownership. The PCs and Buscholl have little hope of any electoral success. […] Read more
Sask. watchdog monitors farmland ownership regulations
WINNIPEG — On any given day at a coffee shop somewhere in rural Saskatchewan, it’s a safe bet that the following topics will come up in conversation — the weather, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and what’s happening with farmland in the area. Most of the time, the coffee talk around farmland is directed at two […] Read more
Speculation about farmland ownership is running hot
WINNIPEG — Ted Cawkwell has been in the real estate business for 12 to 13 years, specializing in Saskatchewan farmland. Back in the early 2010s, it was obvious to Cawkwell and others that shady and illegal purchases of farmland were taking place in the province. Related story: Sask. watchdog monitors farmland ownership regulations “It was […] Read more
U.S. considers ownership rules for farmland
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Reuters) — American lawmakers from both parties are pushing legislation that would limit who can own American farmland, with a latest effort from Democratic senator Cory Booker aimed at curbing corporate ownership. Farm groups and lawmakers are concerned that land purchases by investors and foreign countries are driving up farmland prices and threatening […] Read more
Farmland ownership sees big change
Real estate is a hot topic in Canada. Most Canadians are acutely aware of how home prices and rents have skyrocketed in the last 15 years. While many are familiar with urban real estate trends, few are aware of the restructuring of farmland ownership. Since 2014, we’ve been studying changing land tenure patterns on the […] Read more
