Farmers’ property rights and responsibilities

Having a better understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and resources that farmers and ranchers have is vital to running a successful farming operation

As a farmer, do you know the rights allotted to you as a rural agricul tural producer in the province of Alberta

ellowhead County will be hosting a virtual information session on -anuary 20, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. featuring the Farmers’ and Property Rights Advocate Office (FAO). The presentation will out line the roles and responsibilities of the FAO’s staff, cover how they can assist rural landowners with their concerns, and a 4&A session.

“There are already a lot of issues that farmers deal with regarding running their farm and supporting their family and workers,” says ellowhead County’s Agricultural Services Coordinator Travis Wilson. “But having to navigate the world of legal issues relating to their land without any support or knowl edge of what their rights are can be daunting.” The Farmer’s Advocate Office (FAO) provides many supports and resources for farmers and ranchers including advocacy, rural dispute resolution, and energy, utility and surface rights.

Some of the topics that the session will cover include:

Energy, utilities, and surface rights including include development, operations and closure of energy projects; compensation, bankruptcy and insolvency issues with oil and gas operations (/and and Property Rights Tribunal processes); and renewable energy projects land leasing considerations;

/andowner obligations related to the Water Act, /ine Fence Act, Agricultural Operations Practices Act

Rural Concerns and Dispute resolution and mediation with subject areas that could include /ine Fence Act information; Water Act information; land rental agreements; Agricultural Op erations Practices Act (Part 1 Nuisance and Farm Freedom and Safety Act insurance appeals); and appeals under the Weed Control Act, Bee Act and for AFSC Crop Insurance; Consumer protection under the Farm Implementation and Dealership Act Water Well Restoration or Replacement Program Advocacy for stakeholder and community engagement that would cover general informa tion about initiatives and process

Property rights resources available through the FOA

Knowing your rights as a farmer is essential, but the other side of the coin is that farmers also have responsibilities regarding how they manage and operate their land. This session will address some of those issues as well, so participants will better understand what they can and can’t do as a steward of the land.

To register for the -anuary 20, 2022 online information session, please contact ellowhead County’s Agricultural Services Department in Wildwood at 780-325-3782 or email twilson yhcounty.ca.