Written by Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Rexara Realty Inc.·Published: September 12, 2026·Farm Taxes
In short: yes, you can. BC Assessment's Class 9 (farm class) classification isn't permanent — it depends on the land actually being used to produce a primary agricultural product for sale and meeting a minimum annual gross farm income threshold that varies with parcel size.
When a farm goes idle or stops meeting the income and production requirements, BC Assessment can remove the farm classification over time, which can change the assessed value and the property tax. I've seen buyers assume the classification transfers to them automatically as a permanent benefit, and that assumption can cost them.
Before relying on farm-class property taxes, confirm the property's current classification with BC Assessment and understand what you'll need to produce to keep it. The exact thresholds are set by BC Assessment and can change, so verify the current figures. See our Farm Classification guide — and treat this as general information, not tax advice.
Important: This answer is general professional guidance for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, financial or regulatory advice. ALR rules, water licensing, zoning and farm-classification requirements can change and depend on your specific property. Always verify with the relevant BC authorities and qualified professionals before making decisions.
Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Brokerage: Rexara Realty Inc.
Gurjit Ghai is a BC real estate professional specializing in agricultural land, ALR properties, and farm operations across British Columbia. He helps buyers and sellers navigate water rights, soil capability, farm classification, and the unique due diligence that farmland transactions require.