Criteria for Evaluating Exemption for Land Limits for Research Purposes

As agriculture continues to drive local economies across Prince Edward Island, Government is making beneficial changes to allow for extended research that will help grow the industry, build resilience, and lead efforts to improve industry's environmental footprint.

The Province is introducing a new policy that will allows farmers to apply for an exemption on land used exclusively for agriculture research from the land limits (to a maximum of 350 acres) as legislated under the Lands Protection Act. Eligible farmers must meet the specific criteria outlined in the policy. Examples of research that will be encouraged includes: identifying resilient  and disease resistant crop varieties, pursuing innovative farming techniques, sustainable soil health practices, and methods that aim to increase yields throughout the industry. 

The criteria for evaluation providing an exemption for land limits for research purposes, and ensuring transparency include:

• The applicant must be at or is expected to reach its land holding limits in the reasonably foreseeable future.
• The duration of the research is substantial (more than 2 years).
• The applicant must present a proposal for exemption that outlines how the research provides a significant benefit to the province in the following areas:
  • investment in human and physical capital
  • environmental benefit
  • economic benefit
  • provincial competitive advantage.
• The research is of a nature and rigour that either an application for Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credits is underway or the research is an academic interest that has attracted substantial interest in research grant support from recognized sources.
• The output from the land will not be a commercial product. 
• The research includes an effort to understand and improve on the science related to crop rotation.
• The maximum land exemption is 350 acres.
• The applicant must provide an annual report to the government relative to the project outcomes.
• The amendment is only valid for as long as the land is required for the life of the project with a review conducted annually. 

For more information

Lynn Trainor, Senior Legislative and Applied Research Analyst, Department of Housing, Land and Communities