Farmers looking to change things up and start over in a new location are in luck, thanks to a new initiative the government of Canadas Yukon Territory are implementing to attract small farmers to the area by offering free land.
Anyone who meets the criteria will be eligible for up to a 160-acre plot of land.
The traditionally frozen land has recently warmed up over the last several decades, making it viable for farming.
“Our territory is expected to get wetter and warmer,” said Rod Jacob, of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources in the capital Whitehorse. “We may see opportunity with an increased growing season.”
8,000 acres of farmland have been given away in the last decade. A dozen new applications are currently being considered.
In order to qualify, applicants must be Canadian or they must be a permanent resident that has been living in the Yukon for over a year. Applicants must also pay for surveying, invest in the property and meet other conditions.
All those who receive their free land will have to farm the property for at least seven years before they can attempt to sell it.
“A number of programs help farmers to become more resilient to climate change, including funding to increase access to water for irrigation or to have better water efficiency,” Jacob said.
