Helping new entrants into farming is a theme that continues to show up in farm circles. It’s really all about coming up with an approach that helps transfer assets to the mutual benefit of both buyer and seller.

To help make that transfer work better, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario recently developed a position statement containing some useful approaches. Here are some of the components of that position statement:

 Special Loans. New entrants could be granted special loans, capped at $750,000 each and contingent on a sound business plan that would revert to normal interest rates after 10 years.

Retirement Incentives. An incentive program could be developed to encourage retiring farmers to sell their land at a lower price to new entrants. This could be accomplished through increases in the capital gains exemption for those choosing this option.

Quota Funds. Portions of quota sales in supply-managed commodities could be loaned to new entrants, providing them with a means of entering the industry. The loaned quota would need to be paid back or returned to the commodity board over a 10-year period.

Management Training. New entrants would be required to take a business management course and enter a mentoring program or be involved in a management group.