Program for Accessing Agricultural Land
Our Program for Accessing Agricultural Land (PAAL) supports new primary producers, expanding operations and commercial farm successors in securing the land they need to start or grow their operations. Through flexible and accessible lease or financing options, the program helps farmers establish themselves and scale sustainably.
With our $5 million, three-year pilot investment in streams one and two, the program focuses on accessing land through two lease options from the Board. Streams three and four are lending options with increase flexibility with custom terms. These leasing and purchasing pathways, allowing producers to choose the option that best matches their goals and financial readiness for their farming operation.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- be in production or entering primary agricultural production
- must be registered, or registering once eligible, as a farm in Nova Scotia*
- have an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) at time of application or when eligible*
- be at least 19 years of age
- meet the eligibility criteria of a borrower under the Agriculture and Rural Credit Act
- if purchasing a family farm, have a documented succession plan and be purchasing a minimum of 25% interest of the commercial farm.
*Proponents not registered as a farm and/or hold a valid EFP at the time of application will be given the opportunity to enter the program pending eligibility criteria is fulfilled within one year of the approval date.
Stream 1 – Land Freeze Lease
- We purchase the requested property and lease to applicant for up to 10 years.
- Lower lease payment (does not build equity).
- At the end of the lease, applicant can purchase the property at the original purchase price plus associated fees.
Stream 2 – Asset Building Lease
- We purchase the property and lease to the applicant for up to 10 years.
- Market-rate lease payment builds equity towards future purchase.
- At the end of the lease, applicant can purchase land for remaining balance (original purchase price plus associated fees, less built equity).
Stream 3 – Deferred Repayment Loan
- Up to 90% financing for land purchase.
- Up to 25 year loan amortization.
- Up to a 7-year deferral period is available on a maximum 25-year loan (7 years deferred, 18 years repayment).
- Flexible repayment schedules (monthly, annually, etc.).
Stream 4 – Small Farm Startup Loan
- Up to 100% financing on a loan for land, in addition to equipment or livestock.
- Maximum loan amount up to $500,000.
- Amortization up to 25 years.
- Deferrals may be available dependent on request.
Program Guidelines
Application for Streams One and Two
Application for Streams Three and Four
Business Plan Guide
