Province to restore private property rights by removing ‘unnecessary’ barriers for producers

“Farmers should not have to spend thousands of dollars and wait on government approval to carry out routine work on their own land. We are restoring private property rights and getting government out of the way where it doesn’t need to be.”

Hunter says the changes will save farmers time and money and give them greater control over how they manage their own property.

“Farmers have faced unnecessary administrative burden for routine low-risk activities on their own land for too long. These common-sense changes will give producers more flexibility to manage water and improve field conditions,” added Agriculture and Irrigation minister Tara Sawyer.

The Province say the changes will make it easier for farmers to cultivate, seed, spray, ditch, drain and infill on their own cropland without going through an unnecessary approval process.

Alberta Pulse Growers chair Will Muller welcomes the new rules.

“Pulse crops such as peas and lentils are highly vulnerable to excess moisture. It will give pulse farmers more flexibility to make effective water management decisions and provide the best opportunity for healthy, productive crops while still supporting core wetland habitat,” said Muller.

While no specific date was given, amendments to the Water Regulation and Alberta Wetland Policy are expected to take effect this Fall.

by Dave Lueneberg