Farmland values in Alberta increased an average of 7.2% during the second half of 2012, following gains of 5.7% and 4.5% in the previous two reporting periods. Values have continued to rise in the province since 1993.Competition for land purchases caused prices to increase, with location and availability as the main price drivers. Higher commodity prices and strong demand along the Highway 2 corridor resulted in a higher demand for agricultural land in that area.The irrigation area of southern Alberta continued to see high demand for irrigated land, mainly as a result of strong commodity prices and for specialty crops grown under contract.Demand from producers looking to expand their land base to gain efficiencies also drove increases in farmland values throughout the province. Source: FCC Website