HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC 2018-11-29 agenda.pdfCity of Maple Ridge
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
AGENDA
Thursday, November 29, 2018 7:00 pm
Blaney Room, Maple Ridge City Hall
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES – October 25, 2018
4. DELEGATIONS
5. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1. Introductions
5.2. Young Agrarian Land Matching - follow up
5.3. Prioritization of Agricultural Plan Action Items
6. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
6.1. Education
6.2. Food Distribution
6.3. True North Fraser
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8. QUESTION PERIOD
9. ROUNDTABLE
10. ADJOURNMENT
Next Meeting: January 24, 2019
Agenda Submission Deadline: January 10, 2019
QUESTION PERIOD
Question Period provides the public with the opportunity to ask questions or make comments on
subjects that are of concern to them. Each person will be given 2 minutes to speak. Up to ten
minutes in total is allotted for Question Period.
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City of Maple Ridge
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, held in the Blaney Room,
at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall on October 25, 2018, 2018 at 7:03 pm.
____________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Margaret Daskis, Chair Member at Large
Al Kozak Agricultural Sector
Bill Hardy Member at Large
Candace Gordon Haney Farmers Market Society
Chris Zabek Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture
Ian Brooks Member at Large
Lorraine Bates Agricultural Fair Board
Ryan Murphy Agricultural Sector
Stephanie James, Vice-Chair Agricultural Sector
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Amanda Grochowich Staff Liaison / Planning Department
Amanda Allen Committee Clerk
ABSENT
Councillor Craig Speirs City of Maple Ridge
Caitlin Dorward Acting Regional Planner, Agricultural Land Commission
David Kaplan Member at Large
Josef Hans Lara Economic Development Committee Representative
Note: Councillor Speirs was not in attendance.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
R/2018-033
It was moved and seconded
That the October 25, 2018 Agricultural Advisory Committee agenda be approved as
circulated.
CARRIED
3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
R/2018-034
It was moved and seconded
That the minutes of the Maple Ridge Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting dated
September 27, 2018 be adopted.
CARRIED
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
October 25, 2018
Page 2 of 4
Note: Ian Brooks joined the meeting at 7:05 pm.
4. DELEGATIONS
4.1. An Overview of Municipal Intersections for Agriculture and Environment
Rod Stott, Environmental Planner, City of Maple Ridge
Rod Stott presented on the City of Maple Ridge’s environmental framework and outlined the
environmental programs and policies that influence agricultural development in the City. Mr.
Stott outlined the development review process and identified short and long term priority
action items from the Environmental Management Strategy. Mr. Stott answered questions
from the committee.
5. QUESTION PERIOD
Andrew Poszar spoke to a documentary on Ontario Farmers Markets and the monitoring and
enforcement processes utilized by California for their Farmers Markets. Candace Gordon
provided information on the administration of the Haney Farmers Market.
6. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1. Food Hub Final Report
There was discussion on the economic focus of the report, on food security and on
traceability software for food safety. A pilot project involving local farmers to provide proof of
concept was briefly discussed as the next step of the project.
R/2018-035
It was moved and seconded
That the Agricultural Advisory Committee support the Food Hub Final Report and
recommends that Council endorse the report.
CARRIED
6.2. True North Fraser Program
The staff liaison advised that with the conclusion of the Maple Ridge Food Hub Study, the
True North Fraser subcommittee can be reinstituted. An invitation was extended to all AAC
members to attend the next subcommittee meeting scheduled for 2:00 pm, November 6,
2018 at City Hall.
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
October 25, 2018
Page 3 of 4
6.3. Golden Harvest 2019
The Chair and Candace Gordon provided a summary of the successful 2018 Golden Harvest
event and acknowledged appreciation for the 2018 Golden Harvest Coordinator, Tara
Malanik. The staff liaison enquired as to the interest of hosting the event in 2019 and on
submitting an incremental package with the 2019 Business Plan.
R/2018-036
It was moved and seconded
That the Agricultural Advisory Committee support the submission of an Incremental Package
for Golden Harvest 2019 as part of the 2019 Business Plan.
CARRIED
6.4. Introduction of Agricultural Plan – Recommended Action Plan Items
The staff liaison provided copies of a 2016 report to Council that identified a prioritized set of
action items from the City of Maple Ridge’s Agricultural Plan. The staff liaison advised that
the November meeting will include a workshop session to prioritize action items for 2019
and requested members review the material in advance of the next meeting.
6.5. 2019 Meeting Schedule
There was discussion on the 2019 meeting schedule.
R/2018-037
It was moved and seconded
That the 2019 Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting schedule attached to the October
25, 2018 Agricultural Advisory Committee agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
6.6. Workshop and Event Updates
6.6.1. Metro Vancouver AAC
The Chair provided an update from the October 12, 2018 Metro Vancouver AAC meeting.
Discussions focused on the recent legalization of cannabis and the initial impacts on the
farming industry, including labour challenges and the conversion of greenhouses from food
production to cannabis. In response to a query, Chris Zabek provided clarity on the Ministry
of Agriculture’s regulation on legal cannabis production in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Stephanie James spoke to contaminated soil and possible environmental impacts of
cannabis production.
7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1. Education
Al Kozak provided an update on the October 25, 2018 Education Subcommittee meeting.
The subcommittee is developing a list of ideas on community outreach for further review and
will report back at a later date.
Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes
October 25, 2018
Page 4 of 4
7.2. Food Distribution
Al Kozak reported on efforts to identify a number of farms to spearhead the next phase of the
Food Hub project.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
8.1. Upcoming Events
November 6, 2018
7:00 pm
Council Inauguration
Maple Ridge City Hall, Council Chambers
Organizer: City of Maple Ridge
9. ROUNDTABLE
Candace Gordon reported wrapping up another successful year of the Seniors Nutrition
coupon program and shared gratitude for program funding. Ms. Gordon shared thanks to
Councillor Speirs for his years of dedication to the Committee and agriculture in Maple Ridge.
Chris Zabek advised that the BC Young Farmer’s Annual Educational and Social event is
scheduled for 11:00 am, November 10, 2018 at the Langley campus of Kwantlen
Polytechnic University. Mr. Zabek reminded members of the crop planning session ‘Every
Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef’ happening November 13, 2018 from 9:00
am – 3:00 pm at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver.
Al Kozak advised that it has been a very good year for wild mushrooms.
Ian Brooks provided updates from the Thornhill Aquifer Protection Society and shared
concerns about the lack of public reporting on the conditional water licence issued to
Tantalus Labs.
Lorraine Bates noted that Maple Ridge will be hosting the 2020 Summer Games which is
scheduled for the same weekend as Country Fest and shared concerns around parking.
Bill Hardy advised of his upcoming trip to Taiwan to jury a World Expo. Mr. Hardy shared, with
regrets, that due to prior commitments he was unable to get the 2018 Farm Tour off the
ground.
Stephanie James reported on her latest farming activities and fruit crops.
Ryan Murphy shared information from a recently attended workshop hosted by the BC
Hazelnut Association.
Margaret Daskis reported on recent activities at Fresh Solutions.
Amanda Grochowich shared Councillor Speirs’ acknowledgement and appreciation for the
dedication and passion of the Agricultural Advisory Committee members.
10. ADJOURNMENT – 9:30 pm.
M. Daskis, Chair
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Young Agrarians is a partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk Society
2nd floor-1661 Duranleau St, Net Loft, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
E: farm@youngagrarians.org W: youngagrarians.org P: 778-968-5518
COVER LETTER
August 31, 2018
Re: 2019 Lower Mainland Farmland Matchmaker Proposal
To: City of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, V2X 6A9
Contact: Councillor Craig Speirs, cspeirs@mapleridge.ca
Dear City of Maple Ridge Council,
Please find enclosed a Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley Land Matcher Proposal on behalf of Young
Agrarians, a program of FarmFolk CityFolk Society.
On May 17, 2018, the Young Agrarians Grow-a-Farmer program was presented to the Maple Ridge
Agricultural Committee. A request was made at that time for a proposal for the Land Matching
program work underway in the region.
The Young Agrarians Land Matching Program has grown from one Land Matcher to five in 2018
because of support from the Province of British Columbia and regional funders throughout B.C.
Moving forward into our next program cycle in 2019, I am outreaching to local government to ensure
that we have new program partnerships in place for the Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley region.
I am requesting that the City of Maple Ridge consider coming on board as a funding partner in 2019,
which will enable a Young Agrarians Land Matcher to build relationships with landowners in the area,
and support new farmers to find farmland. I would like to request 1) a program endorsement, as well
2) a financial contribution for the 2019 program year in the amount of $10,000 - $15,000. We are
looking to bring on 2-3 local government partners and already have confirmed support from Metro
Vancouver.
This is an exciting time to propose this type of program funding partnership to support new and
young farmers to access farmland, and grow more new farmers in the City of Maple Ridge!
Please let me know if there are any questions, or more information that can be provided.
Thank you most kindly for your consideration,
Sara Dent
Young Agrarians BC Program Director
Direct Line: 778-968-5518
Email: farm@youngagrarians.org
Young Agrarians is a partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk Society
2nd floor-1661 Duranleau St, Net Loft, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
E: farm@youngagrarians.org W: youngagrarians.org P: 778-968-5518
METRO VANCOUVER / FRASER VALLEY:
LAND MATCHING PROGRAM PROPOSAL 2019
Young Agrarians, a program of FarmFolk CityFolk Society, is inviting local governments to participate in
a region wide land matching program in 2019. A Land Matcher works to screen farmland opportunities
and farmers ready to start farm businesses, facilitates matches and develops legal contracts between
parties. In 2018, the Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley Land Matcher will work to create 7-9 matches in
the region, or 7-9 new farm businesses with secure leasing agreements.
Program outreach has been conducted to municipalities throughout the Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley
regions including to: the Township of Langley, City of Richmond, City of Surrey, City of Maple Ridge,
Corporation of Delta, City of Pitt Meadows, City of North Vancouver, City of Vancouver and City of
Abbotsford. Currently, the program is funded in the region by: the Bullitt Foundation, Metro Vancouver,
Province of British Columbia, Township of Langley and the City of Surrey. This funding support will carry
forward till March 31, 2019. We are looking for two new program partners starting April 2019. Each year,
we are able to build funding relationships that enable us to focus land inventory outreach activities in
specific areas. Our aim in the next programming year, is to focus on the City of Maple Ridge and the City
of Richmond.
FARMER TESTIMONIAL
In January 2016, the B.C. Land Matching Program began as a pilot program in partnership with the City
of Surrey, and in collaboration with Quebec’s L’ARTERRE. The two-year pilot was funded by: Vancity, the
Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia, and the Ministry of Agriculture under Growing Forward II, a
federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Since this time, we have been fortunate to continue to build the
program, and offer the service in the region through strategic funding partnerships.
The B.C. Land Matching program works to provide a tried and true land matching methodology to
address the number one barrier for new farmers: access to land. In 2018 we have been fortunate to
expand from one to five Land Matchers, offering this land ‘extension’ support service across Southern
B.C., where the land base is most expensive.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LAND MATCHER
• Respond to inquiries from landowners and new farmers;
• Screen new farmers who want to start new farm businesses for enterprise readiness, and connect
them to business planning and support to develop their agricultural projects;
• Assist landowners to evaluate their land opportunities for agricultural viability and clarify their
land usage vision and terms;
Roger Woo, a new farmer, and David Feldhaus, land owner – after signing a lease in
Port Kells, Surrey. Darcy Smith, Young Agrarians’ first Land Matcher, facilitated the
process. From Roger: “I knew I wanted to farm in BC, but I saw significant challenges
to acquiring appropriate farmland in the area [Lower Mainland], both in terms of
finding the land and in cultivating relationships with landowners. I know there are
people out there who have land, and people who want land, but we aren't
necessarily able to make the connections ourselves. Young Agrarians excels at
opening up avenues for those relationships to begin. Through the Land Matching
Program, I’ve been able to find a supportive landowner who has agreed to let me
farm his land. I’ve also found that by getting involved with Young Agrarians, I am now
connected into the local agriculture community, and have accessed a wide variety of
farm resources. Young Agrarians connects people to land, and ultimately facilitates
relationships - which is the most important piece in building sustainable, local food
sheds. I came to this process with my farm dream, and have received step-by-step
support to make it a reality.”
Young Agrarians is a partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk Society
2nd floor-1661 Duranleau St, Net Loft, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
E: farm@youngagrarians.org W: youngagrarians.org P: 778-968-5518
• Register landowners land opportunities and farmers looking for land on the YA UMAP
(maps.youngagrarians.org) digital land listing inventory;
• Provide hands-on, personalized, matchmaking to support land seekers to find the most suitable
land opportunities for their farm projects; and support landowners to find the most suitable
farmer(s) for their land opportunities;
• Facilitate introductions and site visits;
• When a match is identified, facilitate negotiations between parties;
• Provide a final lawyer reviewed contract between land matches;
• Follow-up to ensure good land matches;
• Coordinate an annual Land Linking Event in the Metro Vancouver area to grow the base of
engaged and informed landowners, and new and potential farmers;
• Disseminate digital resource tools: BC Land Access Guide, Lease & License Templates;
• Publish on-going land opportunities and resource content on the YA Blog.
2019 SUCCESS & IMPACT INDICATORS
• # of land matches (7-9)
• # of people reached through email, phone and in person (100-250)
• # of people reached online through land communications (5,000-10,000)
• # of people that attend annual Land Linking Forum (50-150)
• # of downloads and print copies disseminated of the BC Land Access Guide, Lease & License
templates (250-500)
• # of new listings on U-MAP (25-50)
• # of additional Land resources added to U-MAP (5-10)
PROGRAM GOALS
• Support new and young farmers to access tenured land agreements to start viable farm
businesses;
• Ensure that existing farmland continues to be farmed, and underutilized agricultural lands are put
into production;
• Support Metro Vancouver area local governments to meet OCP and regional agricultural
planning goals, and thus increase farming activities and support new entrants;
• Continue to grow the service across Southern BC through strategic partnerships with government.
BUDGET: PROJECTED EXPENSES
1 Land Matcher @ 28hrs per week x 52 weeks x $30/hr. $43,680
Mileage & Travel $2,500
Venue & Food, Equipment & Supplies $2,000
Advertising, Promotions & Printing $1,000
Legal $3,500
Administration 10% $5,268
TOTAL $57,948
On the following pages you will find more background information on Young Agrarians, the B.C. Land
Matching Program, and research on the economic potential of supporting new farms in the region.
Please contact me with any questions or ideas you may have about this proposal. Thank you most kindly
for your time.
Young Agrarians is a partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk Society
2nd floor-1661 Duranleau St, Net Loft, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
E: farm@youngagrarians.org W: youngagrarians.org P: 778-968-5518
ABOUT YOUNG AGRARIANS
Young Agrarians was established January 2012 as a program partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk Society
(FFCF). FFCF is a non-profit, registered charity with 25 years of experience supporting sustainable
agriculture in B.C. Young Agrarians has been fortunate to grow from a seed into a tree under the
auspices of FFCF. As of April 1, 2019, Young Agrarians will officially operate as its own federally
registered charity, to support the work as it grows across B.C. and Canada.
The mission of Young Agrarians (YA) is to grow the next generation of farmers and food lovers in
Canada. YA is a farmer2farmer resource network that delivers a year round Grow-a-Farmer Strategy
focused on practical and cost-effective program solutions: 1) a robust online engagement and
communications strategy, 2) networking & educational events on and off farms, 3) business mentorships,
and 4) land access programming. Our role is to grow the agricultural sector by supporting new entrants.
In B.C., YA is now the largest network of new, young and potential farmers (1600+). To date, YA has
hosted 145 educational and networking events, facilitated 46 Business Mentorships and made 10 land
matches. The YA program platform was formally adopted by Organic Alberta in 2016, which offers YA
events, and an on-farm, YA Apprenticeship Program. At the national level, YA is engaged online with a
dynamic audience of new and potential farmers and friends through Facebook (11,260), Instagram
(9,730), Twitter (6,250), and our popular blog (average 4200 users per month). From coast to coast,
North to South, Young Agrarians has 2900 email subscribers.
WHO ARE YOUNG AGRARIANS?
A young agrarian is a new and potential entrant into the agricultural sector. Ranging from 20-40 years
of age, Young Agrarians are new farmers, ranchers, holistic managers, orchardists, market gardeners,
seed growers and more. From the city to the country, Young Agrarians aspire to reinvigorate agriculture
in Canada through sustainable farming practices.
PROGRAM RATIONALE
While interest in local food is growing, the Canadian agricultural system is in transition. In 2016, the
average farmer was 55 years of age, while farmers under the age of 35 represent 9.1% of total farmers1,
up slightly from 8.2% in 2011. The long-term viability of primary producers in our food system depends on
the ability of the sector to attract and retain new entrants. Unfortunately, new farmers face significant
entry barriers that prevent them from establishing new farms. Research conducted by the National New
Farmers Coalition, in partnership with the University of Manitoba in 2015 (1326 survey respondents),
indicated that the majority of new farmers in Canada came from non-farming backgrounds (68%), have
a lack of start-up equity, and face significant challenges because of the high cost of land and tight profit
margins. As well, many retiring farmers and farmland owners feel very passionate about wanting their
land to stay in production. Sixty-six percent of farmers plan to retire in the next 10 years2, but only 1 in 12
farm operators in Canada have succession plans3.
To address these trends, YA has focused on delivering programming to support new entrants. As per the
2016 Census of Agriculture, we know that the work we are doing is part of the solution. For the first time
since 1991, we are seeing an increase in the number of new farmers under 35 in Canada, with 28% of
those new farm operators in BC (204 total). Since 1991, the number of young farmers started a steep
1 Statistics Canada. Census of Agriculture. 2016: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2017010-eng.htm
2 CFIB, Business Succession Planning Survey, Agri-business results, Mar. - May 2011, 602 survey responses.
3 Statistics Canada. Tables 004-0200 to 004-0246 - Census of Agriculture (2011-2016), CANSIM (database). Even though
family farmers continue to get older, only one in 12 operators reported having a formal succession plan laying out how
the operation will be transferred to the next generation of farmers. Corporations (mostly family corporations) are more
likely to have succession plans (16.3%) than sole proprietorships (4.9%).
Young Agrarians is a partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk Society
2nd floor-1661 Duranleau St, Net Loft, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
E: farm@youngagrarians.org W: youngagrarians.org P: 778-968-5518
decline, falling from 77,910 to 24,120 by 2011; as of 2016, there has been an increase of 730 farm
operators under 35, bringing the national number to 24,850. In the Metro Vancouver area, 2016 Census of
Agriculture Stats indicate that there are 225 farmers under 35 in the region, 1235 between 35-54, and 2065 in
the 55 plus category, for a total number of farm operators at 3525.
LAND ACCESS IN SOUTHERN BC
Southern BC has some of the most expensive farmland in Canada. While ownership is the preferred land
access model for new farmers, many cannot afford the cost of land in the region. New farmers are thus
forced to innovate to access tenured land agreements for business viability. To work towards solutions to
this, YA delivers ‘landlinking’ workshops to facilitate connections between landholders and new farmers.
The goal is to create public education focused on putting land into, returning it to, or keeping it in food
production. We have delivered 19 workshops across Southern BC with approximately 1,050 participants.
We also disseminate a BC Land Access Guide, Lease and License legal templates with 8,480 electronic
and hard copies circulated since 2013.
“Thank you for hosting the Land Linking Workshop last week, which I found very helpful. We were
fortunate to connect with a young couple that has met with us since and we are discussing a co-
operative effort in which they can utilize some of our land, infrastructure and equipment to help them
get their farming initiative started. Keep up the good work!” Al Kozak, Duende Farm, Maple Ridge, BC
B.C. LAND MATCHING PROGRAM
Due to the growing demand for land extension support services to find viable, tenured land
opportunities, navigate regulations, and create long-term legal agreements, YA has developed a Land
Matching Program Pilot to test the waters in B.C. We began small in the Lower Mainland and Fraser
Valley with one Land Matcher to trial the methodology, develop our organizational expertise, build up
inventory of available land and enterprise ready farmers, and put strategic partnerships in place to
scale up delivery over time. We are excited that our program now has five Land Matchers and is
providing land extension support across Southern B.C.
THE QUEBC MODEL
Quebec’s L’ARTERRE (formerly Banque de terres) began in 2011 as a service offered in Brome-Missisquoi
county. After successfully establishing the first “Land Matcher”, the program has now been adopted by
50 counties. Counties have dedicated Land Matchers that establishes in year 2 to year 3 develop an
average of 7-9 matches per year. L’ARTERRE is provincially coordinated by CRAAQ (Quebec Reference
Center for Agriculture and Agri-food) and will continue to grow to more farmable Counties in Quebec.
Due to the success of the L’ARTERRE, and the positive initial response to our pilot in B.C., YA is currently
conducting outreach to more local governments to determine the level of interest in jointly funding and
sustaining the service. The goal is to develop long-term strategic partnerships with different levels of
government to support on going programming activities. Ideally, we can continue to serve where our
new farmer networks are established and farmers define the cost of land as a key barrier to entering
agriculture. These areas include the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Okanagan/Thompson, and
Columbia Basin. Currently, the relatively lower cost of land in Central and Northern BC means that this
initative has not been identified as necessary in those regions.
On the following page, there is a summary of the benefits of small-scale agriculture in the region
aggregated from research papers. In our estimation, small-scale farms focused on direct markets, have
a significant return on investment because of their contribution to local food economies. They
demonstrate sustainable farming practices, provide volunteer opportunities, create jobs, increase
regional farm receipts, and with the multiplier effect- have significant economic potential on a per acre
basis. Now is the time to invest in the next generation of farmers!
Young Agrarians is a partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk Society
2nd floor-1661 Duranleau St, Net Loft, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
E: farm@youngagrarians.org W: youngagrarians.org P: 778-968-5518
BENEFITS OF URBAN & SMALL-SCALE AGRICULTURE
Due to the high cost of land and inputs- many new and young farmers from non-farming families have to
start on small acreages to enter the sector. As per reviewing data on farming revenues in the Lower
Mainland and Fraser Valley, there is a considerable range per acre of gross revenues from $20,000-
$25,000/acre to $100,000+/acre; this depends on the type of production underway, markets accessed, and
number of years in operation. On a per acre basis, diversified farm operations selling direct seem to have
higher gross revenue potential, over time, than single commodity crop production grown for wholesale
markets. Small lot agriculture enables new entrants to get their feet wet, and potentially scale up over time.
There is a growing body of research that indicates that small-scale farms have significant economic impact
for the region through the multiplier effect. While region-specific multipliers have not been calculated, B.C.
Stats has estimated provincial multipliers for different sectors. For instance, every million dollar increase in
regional farm sales will create 14 new jobs in the regional economy4. Vancouver Urban Farming Society has
been assessing, evaluating and monitoring the Vancouver urban farming community for the past three years.
According to the Vancouver Urban Farming Census 2014-2016, of the 13 farms that participated and grow on
approximately seven acres, with a total of $750,000 in food sales, these farms contribute 1.9 million in
economic benefits (averaging out to $107,142/per acre). This also includes $18,000 in food donations, and
accounts for $680,000 in wages. “While the food sales figure of nearly $750,000 in 2016 is impressive, the
total economic impact of these sales is even more significant. Numerous studies show the powerful potential
economic multiplier effect of buying local food. Though highly dependent on the locale and commodity in
question, the baseline established in peer-reviewed research for buying local food suggests each purchase in
Canada and the US has a multiplier effect of 1.4- 2.6 throughout the wider local economy. Food products
produced on small-scale farms, like those in Vancouver, create the highest multiplier effect (Meter, 20085).
Using these numbers as a guide, the total economic benefit of Vancouver urban farm food sales was an
estimated $1.9 million in 2016.”
The volunteer data kept by some of the farms that participated in the Vancouver Urban Farming Census also
indicates a significant social benefit to the local communities involved in the farm. “Over 9,000 volunteer
hours, from roughly 300 volunteers supported urban farming in the City in recent years. On just four farms
who kept such data, 15,000 youth, adults, and neighbours came through the farm to engage in field trips,
programs, and outdoor activities on the farms. This is an important impact of urban farming on our City—to
provide opportunities for people to engage with and eat healthy, fresh food. The City’s largest landowners
(the City itself, Parks Board, School Board and hospitals), are exploring how to host urban farming programs
on their sites to increase the beneficial impact to the community.”
Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s research paper titled Surrey’s Underutilized ALR Lands—An Analysis of their
Economic, Job Creation, and Food Production Potential in Direct Market Agriculture highlights the following
potential economic benefits:
• 1 acre farms have the potential to create up to 1.29 FTE jobs and generate between $31,165 and $54,813 in
gross revenue, or up to $36,968 in return to owner-operator. Using the multiplier effect (1.4-2.6), that
equals on the low end ($31,165) a range of $43,631 - $81,029 and on the high end ($54,813) a range of
$76,738 - $142,513 in total economic benefit to the community per acre
• 280 acres of underutilized ALR lands owned by the City of Surrey have the potential to contribute over
$15.3 million in gross revenue to Surrey’s economy. The enterprises on this land could create between 100
and 136 full time equivalent jobs.
• 3,339 acres of underutilized ALR land in the City of Surrey have the potential to contribute over $183
million in gross revenue to Surrey’s economy. This would more than double the economic magnitude of
the industry. The enterprises on this land could create between 1,188 and 1,623 full time equivalent jobs.
4http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/PlanningPublications/ProfileofMetroVancouversagri-
foodindustry.pdf 5 Meter, K. 2008. “Local Food as Economic Development.” Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Crossroads Resource
Center). http://www.crcworks.org/lfced.pdf
1
Appendix Table 1: Agricultural Plan – Recommended Action Plan
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Develop a strategy to increase landowner awareness of farmland
leasing options, taxation benefits, and community demand for
local production
AAC
District
Farmers Institute
Minimal
Hire a co-op student
to assist or
consultant to
develop strategy
b) Create a database of farmland available for leasing, including a
database maintenance strategy
AAC
District, Farmers Institute,
Ministry of Agriculture And
Lands
Minimal
Hire a co-op student
to assist
c) Develop access to materials on lease/rental terms and sample
agreements, possibly website delivered
AAC
District, Farmers Institute,
Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands
Minimal
Hire a co-op student
to assist
d) Create educational materials for agricultural property owners
regarding stewardship of agricultural land
Farmers Institute, AAC
Support from Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Minimal
Utilize existing
materials and
modify; production
and distribution
costs
e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate
discussion on the role of small lot property owners in enhancing
local agriculture in the District (gaining access to land, pooling of
small lots, rent calculator, lessee responsibilities).
Farmers Institute
AAC
Support from Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Minimal
Invite Ministry of
Agriculture and
Lands staff to assist
Goal 1: Increase Access to
Underutilized Agricultural
Land
f) Identify and promote opportunities for development of urban
agriculture
Farmers Institute, AAC,
Community Kitchens,
District
Minimal
2
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Partner with farmers to create apprenticeship opportunities and
mentorships, and to attract workers to agriculture in the area
Farmers Institute
Commodity Associations,
District, Educational institutions
Moderate
b) Pursue options and opportunities to provide a hands-on training
ground for aspiring farmers
Farmers Institute with support
from Agricultural Land
Commission, District
Moderate
c) Engage high schools and post-secondary institutions in local farmer
training initiatives
Farmers Institute Support from
Agricultural Land Commission,
District,
School District
Minimal
Invite presenters
within the industry
d) Investigate innovative ways aspiring new farmers without land may
be encouraged to access agricultural land currently not in
production
Farmers Institute Support from
Agricultural Land Commission,
District
Minimal
e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate
information exchange on small lot agriculture (production
techniques, organic, equipment, pest management)
Farmers Institute
Support from Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Minimal
Invite presenters
from within the
agricultural industry.
Add to Lower
Mainland
Horticultural
curriculum
f) Develop information sharing and exchange networks and coalitions
with like-minded groups in other areas
Farmers Institute Minimal
g) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute to coordinate and
implement the knowledge base initiatives identified in this
Agricultural Plan
AAC could take lead with
assistance from other
organizations
Moderate
Goal 2: Improve the Knowledge
Base of Farmers
h) Develop awareness of educational initiatives in the local
community
Farmers Institute Minimal
3
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Develop an inventory of local agricultural land use and agricultural
products produced
Farmers Institute Moderate
b) Create newspaper slot highlighting farming, seasonal recipes,
farmer direct markets
Farmers Institute; community
kitchen
Community newspaper
Farmers Market
Minimal
c) Encourage retailers to advertize and identify locally produced
seasonal products.
Farmers Institute
AAC
Minimal
d) Partner with schools and the School District to communicate
information about farming
AAC
District
Minimal
e) Create more hands-on displays at District Fair Farmers Institute
Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands
Minimal
Partner with
commodity
associations
f) Host a “Taste of Maple Ridge” event annually Farmers Institute
AAC
Minimal
User pay and
donations
g) Engage local chefs to partner in local food promotion Farmers Institute Minimal
User pay and
donated
h) Partner with schools to develop agricultural curriculum, including
coordinating with the Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and
the School Gardens project
Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands
Ag in the Classroom
BC Agriculture Council
Minimal
Already existing
i) Report on Agricultural Plan completion in the media District Minimal
j) Report regularly in the media on progress and issues relating to
implementing the Agricultural Plan
District Minimal
Goal 3: Improve the Knowledge
Base of the Consumer Public
k) Provide continued support for the Haney Farmers Market District
Farmers Institute
Minimal
Location,
advertising,
promotion
4
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Work with producers to: investigate the potential for marketing
cooperatives, brokerages; machinery cooperatives; investigate
community storage and handling options; learn about marketing
models; branding
Farmers Institute
Support from Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands
Commodity groups
Moderate
Seek IAF funding to
explore options
b) Hold workshops on local marketing and distribution systems Farmers Institute
Support from Metro Vancouver
Minimal
Invite existing local
marketers
c) Enlist the participation of local expertise up-to-date on food
marketing issues
Farmers Institute
Support from AAC, Metro
Vancouver, District
Minimal
Invite presenters
from Fraser Health
Authority,
Food security
groups, Organic
associations, Direct
marketing
associations
d) Develop a strategy to assist the development of distribution and
marketing options in the District
Farmers Institute Assistance
from Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands, Metro Vancouver
Moderate
Seek IAF funding to
explore options
e) Pursue the development of key components of a local distribution
system, including cooling, handling and staging area for fresh
produce (e.g., food terminal)
Farmers Institute Moderate
Seek IAF funding to
explore options
Goal 4: Develop the Local
Distribution and Marketing
System
f) Investigate marketing needs of local farming community. Farmers Institute Assistance
from District, Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Moderate
5
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural
land base by creating Development Permit Area guidelines to
minimize non-agricultural encroachment on agriculturally
designated lands and farming activities
District Minimal
b) Continue to implement the OCP policies to protect the agricultural
land base by creating guidelines for reviewing applications for non-
farm use, exclusions, fill applications, transportation and utility
applications, subdivisions, and government applications
District Minimal
c) Investigate federal, provincial and Metro Vancouver support for
agriculture irrigation water supply expansion
District Minimal to
moderate
d) Explore opportunities to protect agricultural land from
development through a variety of means such as donations of
land, covenants, easements, agricultural use of municipal land,
consolidation of land, and other mechanisms that support
agriculture.
AAC
District
Minimal to
moderate
e) Support opportunities to provide land for community based
agriculture.
AAC
District
Land Trusts
Minimal to
moderate
f) Explore establishing an agricultural levy on agricultural land
conversion developments to ensure that capital is available to
finance the agricultural strategy in this Plan
District Minimal
g) Explore retention of lots 2 ha (5 acres) and larger in the
Agricultural Land Reserve.
District Minimal
Goal 5: Protect the Agricultural
Land Base
h) Support and encourage applications to include lands in the
Agricultural Land Reserve
AAC
District
Farmers Institute
Minimal
6
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Investigate a watershed-based surface and groundwater irrigation
strategy
District
Metro Vancouver
Min. of Ag and Lands
Moderate
b) Where a need is identified, undertake a water supply inventory for
lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve
District
Min. of Ag and Lands
Metro Vancouver
Moderate
c) Explore establishing a drainage and flood control levy District Minimal
d) Require upland landowners and applicants to control storm water
flows into the flood plain
District Minimal
e) Undertake a feasibility study of drainage and flood control to
rehabilitate affected areas.
District
Support from Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands
Moderate
f) Continue to build relationship with neighbouring municipality District Minimal
g) Require compensation from unavoidable agricultural land
conversion developments to be used to increase net agricultural
capability in the District
District Minimal
Goal 6: Rehabilitate and Improve
the Agricultural Infrastructure
h) Encourage the Agricultural Land Commission to enforce
agreements entered into with proponents that allow applications
to proceed on Agricultural Land Reserve land.
District Minimal
Goal 7: Develop Local Food
System Infrastructure
Capacity
a) Work with producers & local entrepreneurs to explore the
feasibility of an agro-industrial infrastructure strategy that could
include: shared industrial space; branding; small scale processing
facilities; community kitchen; mobile slaughter facilities
Farmers Institute Support from
District, Ministry of Agriculture
and Lands, Metro Vancouver
Moderate
Seek IAF funding to
explore options
LJ
LJ
7
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Work with the AAC to promote and gauge the feasibility of
alternative models of community supported agriculture
AAC
Support from Farmers Institute
and other community
organizations
Moderate
b) Continue to acknowledge and incorporate agriculture into District
economic development strategies and plans.
District Minimal
c) Explore the agro-tourism policies of the Agricultural Land
Commission for their potential to provide new and expanded
opportunities for farmers and their possible inclusion into District
bylaws.
District Minimal
d) Promote local agri-businesses and activities on District website
and publications
District Minimal
e) Encourage linkages among the agricultural sector in Maple Ridge
agriculture to identify cross-demand for products and services
Farmers Institute Minimal
f) Identify a community work force for agriculture AAC
District
Coordinate with Farmers
Institute, Social Services,
community organizations
Minimal
g) Identify community demand and develop linkages for participatory
food production
Farmers Institute
Support from District,
community organizations
Moderate
Goal 8: Increase the Diversity of
Agricultural Activity
h) Provide opportunities for community gardening, allotments; and
urban demonstration plots
District
Support from Farmers Institute,
realtors,
Minimal to
moderate
8
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Implement Development Permit Area guidelines to minimize non-
agricultural encroachment on agriculturally designated lands and
farming activities, including specific provisions for buffer zones,
appropriate landscaping, subdivision design, and building location
District
AAC
Minimal
b) Create a cross commodity Farmers Institute to implement
agricultural initiatives identified in this Plan
AAC, Metro, Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands
Minimal
c) Require notices on title on properties adjacent to agricultural lands
(disclosure statements) to avoid neighbhourhood conflicts
District
Realtors
Minimal
d) Enforce noxious weed bylaw on idle land in the ALR, municipal
rights-of-way and utility rights-of-way.
District Minimal to
moderate
e) Create respect for property rights of farmers respecting trespass,
vandalism, and harassment
Farmers Institute
AAC, District, Metro Vancouver
Minimal
f) Develop a neighbourhood community watch for stray dogs,
animals, and trespass
ACC, Farmers Institute
District
Minimal
g) Develop ongoing communication channels with non-farming
landowners to promote “good neighbour” relations
Farmers Institute Minimal
Goal 9: Reduce Potential for
Stress in the Agricultural-
Residential Interface
h) Educate landowners adjacent to agricultural land of potential for
farming activities on neighbouring properties
District, AAC
Farmers Institute
Minimal
9
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Educate farmers about the benefits of completing and
implementing Environmental Farm Plans
Farmers Institute
AAC
Minimal
b) Lobby to have the Environmental Farm Plan program broadened to
include the equine sector, hobby farmers, and new farmers
Farmers institute
AAC
Minimal
c) Identify options for farmers to manage manures in a sustainable
manner
Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands
Farmers Institute
Minimal
d) Investigate and adopt new technologies to deal with farm wastes,
alternative energy sources, and generation of greenhouse gases
Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands
Ministry of the Environment
Metro Vancouver
Farmers
Moderate to major
Seek Investment
Agriculture
Foundation funding
to explore options
e) Develop interface, linkage, and communications with Department
of Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry of Environment to create
workable solutions to agriculture-environment issues in the District
District
AAC
Farmers Institute
Minimal
f) Educate and inform the community about the ecological goods and
services agriculture provides in Maple Ridge
District
AAC
Farmers Institute
Moderate
Goal 10: Minimize Impact of
Agriculture on the
Environment
g) Promote the use of natural methods of controlling pests Farmers Institute
District. Ministry of Agriculture
and Lands. Metro Vancouver
Moderate
a) Keep channels of communication open to advise on issues before
they become problems
AAC Minimal
b) Develop strategy to control populations of released domestic
rabbits
District Moderate
c) Work with farmers experiencing depredation from bears and deer
to channel movement away from farms
Ministry of the Environment
District
Moderate
d) Support research to develop repellents and barriers for problem
wildlife
Farmers Institute Minimal
Seek Investment
Agriculture
Foundation funding
to explore options
Goal 11: Reduce Agriculture–
Wildlife Conflicts
e) Identify opportunities and create incentives for land owners to
participate in land management systems that enhance wildlife
habitat and support agriculture
Farmer's Institute
AAC, District , Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands, Metro
Vancouver
Moderate
10
Goal Recommended Actions Who? Resources
Required
a) Continue to retain the AAC to advise Council on issues affecting
agriculture
District Minimal
b) Develop results-based approach to new regulation, so that targets
and effects are assessed before regulatory policy is implemented.
District, AAC, Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands,
Agricultural Land Commission
Minimal
c) Monitor proposed regulations to ensure they are not unnecessarily
onerous on producers and agro-development
District, AAC Minimal
Goal 12: Create a Regulatory
Environment Friendly to
Agriculture
d) Advocate for Region-wide policies for agricultural areas AAC
District , Farmers Institute
Minimal
a) Continue to implement OCP by concentrating growth to within the
urban area boundary
District Minimal
b) Create a Code of good land stewardship in the Agricultural Land
Reserve (abandoned cars, trailers, machinery, trash, obsolete
signage, dumped soil) to prevent contamination and visual
pollution (batteries, crankcase oil, unproductive fill)
District
AAC
Agricultural Land Commission
Minimal
c) Encourage property owners to build in a fashion to conserve the
land base and minimize potential for conflict with agricultural
activity
District
Agricultural Land Commission
Minimal
Goal 13: Protect and Enhance the
Agricultural Context of the
Agricultural Land Reserve.
d) Explore changes to the RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential Zone) as
it applies to the Agricultural Land Reserve with respect to
restrictions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and accessory buildings.
District Minimal