Written by Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Rexara Realty Inc.·Published: August 23, 2026·Farm Operations
A farmland lease or land-partnership arrangement is an agreement where a landowner lets a farmer use the land for production, either for a cash rent or a share of the revenue, and BC's Land Matching Program actively connects new farmers with landowners who have land they are not farming. These arrangements let a new farmer start without buying land and let a landowner keep the land in production.
The terms matter a lot, because a lease needs to cover rent, term length, water rights, who provides equipment and improvements, what happens to the soil, and how the arrangement ends. A land partnership can also include cost-sharing and revenue-splitting, which is more complex than a simple cash lease but can align incentives for both parties.
If you are a buyer considering leasing before buying, or a landowner considering a partnership, the lease terms directly affect the land's value and your risk, so get the agreement in writing and reviewed before you sign. Read our Buying a Farm guide for the framework, and get legal advice on the lease structure for your situation.
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.