Communications

(OTTAWA, ON – June 11, 2024) After weeks of research and consultation with farm tax accountants, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) revealed that the capital gains inclusion rate changes will increase taxes by 30 per cent on family-run grain farms. The research details the anticipated impacts of the increase, which is set to take effect on June 25.

“Our research shows that an average grain farm in Canada, most of which are family owned and operated, will see a tax increase of 30 per cent due to the two-thirds capital gains inclusion rate.” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “This hike targets farmers’ retirement plans, complicates intergenerational transfers, and threatens the long-term viability of family farms across the country.”

According to GGC research, an 800-acre farm purchased in 1996 in Ontario would incur nearly $1.2 million in additional taxes if sold today, while a 4,000-acre farm in Saskatchewan would face an increase of just over $900,000.

“With over 40 per cent of farmers nearing retirement over the next decade, this tax increase introduces substantial uncertainty into their retirement planning,” said Andre Harpe, GGC Chair and a grain grower who farms alongside his wife and daughter in Alberta. “Despite Budget 2024’s title of ‘Fairness for Every Generation,’ this change will actually burden the next generation of farmers, who are already grappling with costly transfers.”

In farming communities, there is a common saying that farmers are “cash poor, asset rich.” Farmers regularly invest in their operations, by expanding their acreage, upgrading grain bins, and purchasing the newest and most innovative equipment, such as tractors or combines.

“A 30 per cent increase in taxes on the family farm also dramatically increases the cost of farms, pricing out many families. This puts the family farm at risk, as the only ones that will be able to afford to pay millions of extra dollars will either be corporate farms or development companies,” Larkin said.

Already, Canada is experiencing a decline in family-owned farms, with a 2% decrease between 2016 and 2021, according to the most recent data from Statistics Canada.

“To protect family farms, we are asking the government to exempt intergenerational transfers and allow them to be taxed at the original capital gains inclusion rate,” said Larkin. “This will ensure that farmers’ retirement plans remain secure and that the next generation can afford to take over, enabling family farms to continue being the backbone of Canada’s agriculture sector.”

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca