genesis land conservancy
PHOTO: The Stirling land has been dubbed the Netherhill Project.

| preferred sale |

A preferred sale is a simple agreement that allows Genesis Land Conservancy to purchase land at less than fair market value. The difference between the market price and the sale price is seen as a donation to the organization and is tax deductible. This is ideal for donors who would like some finances for their retirement, but who also wish to contribute to Genesis Land Conservancy.

Benefits of a preferred sale:

• Family land is protected for generations to come in the name of sustainable agriculture.
• The land will remain for agricultural purposes and will stay in local hands.
• An income tax receipt will be issued for the difference between the market value and the sale price.
• The donor will receive cash from the sale
• The donor need no longer be concerned with the expense, operations and responsibility of the management of the land.
• The land is no longer included in the donor’s taxable estate.

| Success Story

Rhoda Stirling and her late husband, Don, have always been active participants in rural Saskatchewan life. The couple farmed three quarters of Eston-area land, handed down from Don's father, a United Church minister.

Allergies prevented Stirling’s son from taking over the farm and her granddaughter, the previous tenant, had decided to move. After attending a seminar on land trusts, Rhoda decided to sell the land to Genesis Land Conservancy at a reduced price in 1999.

Now that the land is maintained by Genesis, the Stirling legacy will continue. Rhoda has visited her old farm -- now dubbed the Netherhill Project -- and its new tenant, a young cattle rancher.

The idea of sustainable farming was important to Don and Rhoda and now, with farming practices under the ethical guidelines of Genesis, Rhoda knows their dream will continue.

"Don would have gone for this, too. He would have been in favour of this," she said.