Taiwan Relaunches Public Land Program for Farmers to Gain Farmland Ownership

Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior is revitalizing a public land release policy, offering farmers the opportunity to gain ownership of farmland they have been leasing long-term. This initiative aims to provide greater security and encourage sustained agricultural practices.

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Farmers who complete the application for acquisition, on-site investigation, and payment of the land price in three steps can obtain ownership of the long-term leased farmland.

The process for farmers to acquire ownership involves three key stages. First, after receiving notification from local county or city governments, farmers must apply within one year. Second, local authorities will conduct an on-site investigation to verify the farmer's identity, the leased land's boundaries, its current agricultural use, and any potential boundary disputes. Finally, farmers must pay the land price.

Since President Lai Ching-te announced the policy's restart in November 2025, the government has reviewed and approved the release of 803 plots totaling 162 hectares across 10 counties. Of these, 184 plots, approximately 35 hectares, have already had their land prices paid, and farmers have successfully obtained ownership. The land price is calculated based on the official land value from 1990, adjusted for inflation. Farmers can opt for a lump-sum payment or a 15-year installment plan.

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Farmers must seize the opportunity to apply; failure to do so within the deadline will be deemed as waiving the right to acquire.

Upon acquiring ownership, farmers are reminded that the land must continue to be used for agriculture for five years, and it cannot be transferred or have its use changed during this period. This condition is in place to ensure the long-term sustainability and preservation of agricultural land.

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After acquiring ownership, farmers must maintain agricultural use for five years and cannot transfer or change the land's use within this period to ensure the sustainable inheritance of leased farmland.