Land competition issues affecting agriculture in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Main Author: Ramsey, R. Douglas
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1993
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/6774/; https://research.library.mun.ca/6774/1/RDouglasRamsey.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/6774/3/RDouglasRamsey.pdf

This thesis examines one particular constraint faced by agriculture: the implications of land competition and the resulting land use conflicts. This is done by identifying and describing land competition issues at two scales: a provincial overview and a detailed case study of one agricultural region in the Province, the Lethbridge-Musgravetovm Agricultural Development Area (LMADA). The issues were identified through questionnaires completed by professionals in the Agriculture Branch of the Department of Forestry and Agriculture (provincial overview) and to the farmers in the LMADA (case study). These issues were then clarified and reinforced with key informant interviews with resource users and agencies identified as competing for land with agriculture. -- Following this examination, two main policy options are described. These options are drawn from the existing literature, including experiences in Newfoundland and Labrador. The first option is for the implementation of farmland preservation policies, including restrictive zoning, differential taxation. Purchase of Development Rights (PDRs), and "Right-to-Farm" Legislation. The second option is for a policy of Integrated Resource Planning (IRP), also known as Integrated Resource Management (IRM). These options are presented with reference to both the existing literature, examples of such policies in other jurisdictions throughout North America, and information obtained in the questionnaires and key informant interviews.