The draft regulation under the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities (chapter P-41.1) outlines the procedural framework for submitting and processing applications to acquire farm land in Quebec. The purpose of these rules is to regulate and preserve agricultural land by ensuring that any acquisition of such land is authorized in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act, specifically section 79.0.6.

The regulation specifies the documents and information that applicants must provide when seeking authorization to acquire farm land. Applicants, whether natural persons or legal entities, must submit a completed application form along with additional supporting documents. Key among these documents is a detailed scale plan of the land in question, which must be signed and dated, indicating the scale used, cardinal points, lot numbers, areas, and measurements of each side of the lots. The plan must also show the location of any buildings on the lots and the use of any adjacent lots that are contiguous or considered contiguous under the law. If the applicant is a legal person (such as a corporation), they must also submit the document of incorporation.

The application form itself is detailed and must include various types of information depending on whether the applicant is a natural or legal person. For individuals, required information includes full name, domicile address, email, occupation, and contact details. If the application is submitted by a mandatary (an authorized representative), their contact information must also be included. For legal persons, the form must include the legal name, Quebec enterprise number, sector of activity, place and governing act of constitution, head office and establishment addresses, and contact information of authorized representatives and mandataries.

Applicants must provide a summary description of the farm land involved in the application, including the lot number, municipality, and the name and address of the owner. Additionally, the form requires the total area in hectares of the farm land to be acquired, as defined by the Act, as well as the area of any lots that will remain in the owner’s possession. The current and intended future uses of the farm land must be described, along with the areas allocated to these uses.

Details about any permanent structures or facilities on the farm land are also required, including houses and buildings. Information regarding farm equipment, agricultural production, production costs, livestock, quotas, and revenues must be provided if applicable.

Applicants must disclose the year in which the current owner acquired the farm land and the price paid at acquisition. The agreed acquisition cost for the land must be specified, with separate amounts for the land itself, buildings, equipment, and any other property included in the sale. The form must also include a list of all farm lands owned by the applicant and related persons, which helps prevent consolidation or acquisition that could negatively affect agricultural land use.

Quebec (Draft) July 30, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.