Since December 1, 2007, the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (DAAF) has administered a register of farm businesses under the Agricultural Producers Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act.
What is the purpose of this program?
The registration of farm businesses into one register has created a means to allow New Brunswick to have strong, representative, financially self-sufficient general farm organizations. By having a reliable source of funding, these organizations can accomplish even more to the benefit of all agricultural producers.
Who is eligible to register?
Agricultural producers operating a farm business within the meaning of the federal Income Tax Act1, or start-up operations following a management plan approved by the Minister, are eligible to register.
How does the process work?
Eligible producers may voluntarily register by completing an application form and paying the prescribed fee. All of these fees will be forwarded to accredited farm organizations for general funding purposes.
What are the benefits of being registered?
Registered professional agricultural producers (RPAP card holders) will be eligible for various government programs:
- reduced fees for analyses done at the provincial Agricultural Laboratory;
- the Farmer Purchaser’s Permit for motive fuel to purchase tax exempt motive fuel; and
- farm license plates and related motive fuel tax refunds.
Through the registration process, you may also choose to become a member, or renew your membership with, one of the two general farm organizations.
How do I access the government program benefits?
After your registration has been accepted, you will receive a card that identifies you as a Registered Professional Agricultural Producer (RPAP). This card (known as the “RPAP card”) will also show the registration number that has been assigned to your farm business. By showing your RPAP card, or using your farm business’ registration number, you will be able to benefit from these government programs.
To read more frequently asked questions about the Farm Business Registry, click here.
To download a copy of the registration form, click here for a copy of the 2012-RPAP-with-Purchasers-Permit-Annual-Report.
Still have questions about the 2012-2013 changes to the purchaser’s permit?
To read more about the changes to the Farmer’s Purchaser’s Permit Application Process, click here.
