Nutrient management plan

A buyer of a livestock farm should check the plans that govern how materials containing nutrients are managed on its land. This entry covers Ontario only; check the rules where you are. The Nutrient Management Act, 2002 defines a nutrient management plan as a plan for the management of materials containing nutrients that may be applied to lands, prepared in accordance with the regulations.

Plans and strategies

The Ontario government explains that a farm applying for a building permit with livestock numbers at or above a set number of nutrient units must submit an approved nutrient management strategy, and that larger operations must also have a plan. It adds that the Act has rules about where new and expanding facilities are located. The Act also lets regulations set how long a plan is valid and require a new or amended plan at prescribed times or on a prescribed change in the agricultural operation.

What to ask the seller

• Whether the farm needs a plan or strategy and where the approved copy is
• Whether the plan’s approval is current and whether the buyer’s planned changes would require an amendment
• What limits on expansion the plan or the location rules set

The guide to buying a farm business places this next to land, quota and equipment questions.