The provincial government wants to hear from the public on how best to encourage farming and protect farmland throughout B.C.
The Ministry of Agriculture recently announced it’s holding a two-month public consultation on supporting farmers and ranchers in the Agricultural Land Reserve to expand and diversify their businesses. As well, the ministry is looking for ideas on helping new or young farmers become established and also ensuring there is flexibility for residential options, while prioritizing agriculture in the ALR.
“Farmers are facing increased risks and unpredictability related to climate change, rising land prices and pressure to use farmland for non-farm activities. Input is needed so the agriculture industry in B.C. can continue to grow and thrive,” a news releases stated.
“Since there have been recent changes by government to strengthen the ALR and Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), the ministry is hosting six in-person sessions, along with the ALC, throughout B.C. to discuss the purpose of the changes. The sessions will also focus on gathering input from people on the three stated challenges with the goal of supporting B.C. farmers and ranchers.”
One of the sessions was held last week at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn where about 80 people registered. The remaining sessions are to be in Dawson Creek, Prince George, Kelowna and Cranbrook.
Feedback was invited until Nov. 15, but the ministry this week announced that in response to comments at last month’s Union of B.C. Municipalities conference, additional sessions will take place.
"It's important to our government that we are continuing to support B.C.'s farmers and ranchers, while also working to preserve the valuable farmland in our province," said Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon. "People in this region have a range of opinions on how to best use the Agricultural Land Reserve, and I know they'll be keen to share their insights with the ministry."
Feedback can also be provided online.
