The Government of Quebec announced on Monday that it has ended the province’s moratorium on agricultural land expansion, approving a new regulation that permits the conversion of non‑agricultural parcels into farm use starting in January 2027.
The decision removes the restrictions that had been in place to block the transformation of land not previously designated for farming. Under the new rule, owners of eligible non‑agricultural properties will be able to apply for reclassification to agricultural status, subject to the province’s standard approval processes.
The moratorium, introduced several years earlier, had barred the conversion of non‑agricultural land into farms as part of a broader effort to protect existing farmland and manage land use. The policy was intended to curb the loss of agricultural acreage and to maintain a stable supply of farm land for producers.
Officials said the change reflects a shift in policy aimed at providing greater flexibility for landowners and supporting agricultural development in the province. The regulation does not alter the overall framework for land‑use planning, but it does allow for new farm operations to be established on sites that were previously excluded.
The government’s announcement did not include specific targets for the amount of land that may be re‑designated, nor did it outline additional incentives for new farmers. It emphasized that the regulation will be applied in accordance with existing environmental and zoning standards.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector are expected to monitor the implementation of the regulation as applications for land conversion begin. The move marks a notable policy reversal from the earlier moratorium, which had limited the expansion of farm land across Quebec.
The regulation becomes effective in January 2027, at which point eligible landowners may submit requests to have their properties reclassified for agricultural use, subject to provincial review and approval.