food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

education;

economic development;

ALR;

residential development;

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

covenants;

commercial development;

residential development;

nuisance complaints;

education;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

economic development;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

roads in agricultural land;

ALR;

food production;

food processing, storage, and distribution;

food processing;

ALR;

farmers' markets;

 farm retail/farm gate sales;

farmers' markets;

 farm retail/farm gate sales;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

agricultural advisory committee;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

agricultural advisory committee;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

land access;

urban agriculture;

education;

research and data collection;

leasing of land for agriculture;

ALR;

Increase Access to Underutilized Agricultural Land.

Recommendations

a) Develop a strategy to increase landowner awareness of farmland leasing options, taxation benefits, and community demand for local production  
b) Create a database of farmland available for leasing, including a database maintenance strategy 
c) Develop access to materials on lease/rental terms and sample agreements, possibly website delivered  
d) Create educational materials for agricultural property owners regarding stewardship of agricultural land 
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) 
f) Identify and promote opportunities for development of urban agriculture

education;

land access;

new entrants to farming;

community food system education;

farmer training;

Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of Farmers.

Recommendations.

a) Partner with farmers to create apprenticeship opportunities and mentorships, and to attract workers to agriculture in the area
b) Pursue options and opportunities to provide a hands-on training ground for aspiring farmers
c) Engage high schools and post-secondary institutions in local farmer training initiatives
d) Investigate innovative ways aspiring new farmers without land may be encouraged to access agricultural land currently not in production
e) Through various workshops and electronic media, initiate information exchange on small lot agriculture (production techniques, organic, equipment, pest management)
f) Develop information sharing and exchange networks and coalitions with like-minded groups in other areas
g) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute (see Glossary) to coordinate and implement the knowledge base initiatives identified in this Agricultural Plan
h) Develop awareness of educational initiatives in the local community. 
 

research and data collection;

local food culture;

community food system education;

Improve the Agricultural Knowledge Base of the Consumer Public.

Recommendations.

a) Develop an inventory of local agricultural land use and agricultural products produced
b) Create newspaper slot highlighting farming, seasonal recipes, farmer direct markets
c) Encourage retailers to advertise and identify locally produced and seasonal products
d) Partner with schools and the School District to communicate information about farming
e) Create more hands-on displays at District Fair
f) Host a “Taste of Maple Ridge” event annually
g) Engage local chefs to partner in local food promotion
h) Partner with schools to develop agricultural curriculum, including coordinating with the Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and the School Gardens project
i) Report on Agricultural Plan completion in the media
j) Report regularly in the media on progress and issues relating to implementing the Agricultural Plan
k) Provide continued support for the Haney Farmers Market. 
 

food processing, storage and distribution;

food sales, access and procurement

food storage;

food distribution;

Develop the Local Distribution and Marketing System.

Recommendations.

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  
b) Hold workshops on local marketing and distribution systems  
c) Enlist the participation of local expertise up-to-date on food marketing  issues  
d) Develop a strategy to assist the development of distribution and marketing options in the District 
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) 
f) Investigate marketing needs of local farming community

development and productive use of agricultural land;

ALR;

protection of farming development permit area;

Protect the Agricultural Land Base.

Recommendations 
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 
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 
c) Investigate federal, provincial, and Metro Vancouver support for agriculture irrigation water supply expansion 
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  
e) Support opportunities to provide land for community based agriculture    
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 
g) Explore retention of lots 2 ha (5 acres) and larger in the Agricultural Land Reserve 
h) Support and encourage applications to include lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve

ALR;

irrigation and drainage;

stormwater management;

Rehabilitate and Improve the Agricultural Infrastructure.

Recommendations

a) Investigate a watershed-based surface and groundwater irrigation strategy 
b) Where a need is identified, undertake a water supply inventory for lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve 
c) Explore establishing a drainage and flood control levy  
d) Require upland land owners and  applicants to control storm water flows into the flood plain 
e) Undertake a feasibility study of drainage and flood control to rehabilitate affected areas 
f) Continue to build relationship with the neighbouring municipality 
g) Require compensation from unavoidable agricultural land conversion developments to be used to increase net agricultural capability in the District 
h) Encourage the Agricultural Land Commission to enforce agreements entered into with proponents that allow applications to proceed on  Agricultural Land Reserve land

food processing;

agricultural industry services;

Develop Local Food System Infrastructure Capacity.

a) Work with producers and local entrepreneurs to explore the feasibility of an agroindustrial infrastructure strategy that could include: shared industrial spaces; branding; small scale processing facilities; community kitchens; mobile slaughter facilities

agri-tourism;

urban gardens/orchards

Increase the Diversity of Agricultural Activity.  

Recommendations

a) Work with the AAC to promote and gauge the feasibility of alternative models of community supported agriculture 
b) Continue to acknowledge and incorporate agriculture into District economic development strategies and plans 
c) Explore  the agro-tourism policies of the Agricultural Land Commission for their potential to provide new and expanded opportunities for farmers and possible inclusion into District bylaws. 
d) Promote local agri-businesses and activities on District website and publications 
e) Encourage linkages in the agricultural sector in Maple Ridge to identify cross-demand for products  and services  
f) Identify a community work force for agriculture 
g) Identify community demand and develop linkages for participatory food production 
h) Provide opportunities for community gardening, allotments, and urban demonstration plots

buffer at agricultural edge;

protection fo farming development permit area;

disclosure agreement;

nuisance complaints;

Reduce Potential for Stress in the Agricultural-Residential Interface.

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 
b) Create a cross-commodity Farmers Institute to implement agricultural initiatives identified in this Plan 
c) Require notices on title on properties adjacent to agricultural lands (disclosure statements) to avoid neighbourhood conflicts   
d) Enforce noxious weed bylaw on idle land in the  Agricultural Land Reserve, municipal rights of-way, and utility rights of way 
e) Create respect for property rights of farmers respecting trespass, vandalism, and harassment 
f) Develop a neighbourhood community watch for stray dogs, animals, and trespass 
g) Develop ongoing communication channels with non-farming landowners to promote “good  neighbour” relations 
h) Educate landowners adjacent to agricultural land of potential for farming activities on neighbouring properties. 

wildlife and ecosystem management;

BC environmental farm plan;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

pesticide and pest management;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

Minimize the Impact of Agriculture on the Environment

Recommendations 
a) Educate farmers about the benefits of completing and implementing Environmental Farm Plans 
b) Lobby to have the Environmental Farm Plan (see Glossary)  program broadened to include the equine sector, hobby farmers, and new farmers 
c) Identify options for farmers to manage farm manures in a sustainable manner 
d) Investigate and adopt new technologies to deal with farm wastes, alternative energy sources, and generation of greenhouse gases 
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 
f) Educate and inform the community about the ecological goods and services agriculture provides in Maple Ridge 
g) Promote the use of natural methods of controlling pests

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Reduce Agriculture – Wildlife Conflict.

Recommendations 
a) Keep channels of communication open to advise on issues before they become problems  
b) Develop strategy to control populations of released domestic rabbits 
c) Work with farmers experiencing depredation from bears and deer to channel movement away from farms 
d) Support research to develop repellents and barriers for problem wildlife 
e) Identify opportunities and create incentives for land owners to participate in land management systems that enhance wildlife habitat and support agriculture

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

Create a Regulatory Environment Friendly to Agriculture

Recommendations 
a) Continue to retain the AAC to advise Council on issues affecting agriculture  
b) Develop results-based approach to new regulation, so that targets and effects are assessed before regulatory policy is implemented.  
c) Monitor proposed regulations to ensure they are not unnecessarily onerous on producers and agro-development 
d) Advocate for region-wide policies for agricultural area

zoning;

ALR;

Protect and Enhance the Agricultural Context of the Agricultural Land Reserve (to address incompatible land use zoning for ALR).

Recommendations.

a) Continue to implement OCP by concentrating growth to within the urban area boundary 
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) 
c) Encourage property owners to build in a fashion to conserve the land base and minimize potential for conflict with agricultural activity 
d) Explore changes in the RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) zone as it applies to land in the  Agricultural Land Reserve with respect to restrictions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and accessory buildings.

development and productive use of agricultural land;

Maintain land with agricultural potential in the ALR for future agricultural uses.

4.3.2 (a)

irrigation and drainage;

Support development of on-farm water infrastructure (e.g. storage facilities, holding tanks, ponds, and drainage) on agricultural lands.

4.3.2 (c)

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

The subdivision of lands within the ALR where lot area or layout will impede or fragment agricultural potential or viability is not supported.

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Encourage a minimum lot size of 8.0 ha in accordance with the provincial standard. Neither an approving officer nor the ALC is obliged to approve applications for subdivision that meet minimum lot size specifications.

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

Encourage consolidation of small parcels to create larger farm units for agricultural use where agricultural viability will be enhanced.

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

In order to protect ALR from incompatible or inconsistent uses, development of lands adjacent to, or within, Agricultural Land Reserve lands will be required to:

a. Minimize impacts to the natural and human-made physical features of the area, and

b. Include a buffer zone on the non-agricultural side of the parcel boundary adjacent to agricultural land

food processing;

agricultural industry services;

Consider and support initiatives to address key gaps or weaknesses in the agriculture industry’s capacity, such as food processing facilities, a commercial abattoir, marketing, communications and input costs.

Investigate opportunities to use local waste products as agricultural inputs.

community food system education;

new entrants to farming;

Consider use of public lands for activities that contribute to enhanced food security, agricultural awareness and attracting new farmers to the region.

new entrants to farming;

farmland trust;

Consider and support innovative land and mentorship access models to support new farmers in gaining access to agricultural land for production, such as farmland trusts and `Start-Up Farms` programs.

ALR;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Support local organizations to acquire private land, including parcels in the ALR, for the purpose of enhancing agricultural use and farm business viability.

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

Support initiatives by local organizations and individuals to enhance agricultural capacity in the region, such as the "Full Circle Farm" project.

food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

Farmer's Markets are supported as a direct marketing opportunity for farmers to provide fresh locally produced fruits, vegetables, livestock, poultry and dairy products to consumers.

edible landscaping;

residential development;

Encourage growing edible plants in residential building setback areas and backyards.

edible landscaping;

ALR;

Encourage community gardens in various forms including consideration of a garden bed box program, support for community gardens on private land such as multi-family sites, and use of vacant City or undeveloped land in the ALR land by a not for profit organization.

zoning;

livestock;

residential development;

Agricultural use in the Suburban Residential designation is encouraged (although such lands are not within the ALR) but shall exclude intensive operations such as feed lots, piggeries, poultry farms, mushroom farms, all subject to Provincial Right to Farm legislation. 

4.5.1 (d)

food recovery/gleaning/donation;

The City supports the local food bank and other food security initiatives for community members dependent upon this service.

6.3.2 (a)

food production;

economic development;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

livestock;

Council will support the investigation and development of specific food production opportunities within the community. 

8.1.2 (h)

food processing;

farm diversification;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

water management

water rate for agriculture;

irrigation and drainage;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;;

land access;

leasing of land for agriculture;

farmland trust;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

recreational use of agricultural land;

signage is agricultural areas;

nuisance complaints;

covenants;

residential development;

disclosure agreement;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

farm diversification;

crops;

food processing;

irrigation and drainage;

new entrants to farming;

farm diversification;

new entrants to farming;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

leasing of agricultural land;

new entrants to farming;

leasing of agricultural land;

new entrants to farming;

soil;

ALR;

deposit of fill and dumping;

farmland speculation;

ALR;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

education;

nuisance complaints;

ALR;

residential development;

covenants

farmland trust

local food culture;

community food system education;

urban agriculture;

education;

community food system education;

urban gardens/orchard;

education;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

signage in agricultural areas;

farm traffic;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

wildlife nad ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships and advocacy;

research and data collection;

wildlife and ecosystem management; 

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Work with Metro Vancouver and other lower Mainland municipalities to investigate the feasibility of regional branding for agricultural products, developing a “buy regional” policy for local governments, and engaging businesses, schools, government agencies, and institutions to participate.

climate change and greenhouse gases;

research and development ;

crops;

tax mechanisms;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

economic development;

food processing, storage and distribution;

zoning;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

farmers' markets;

community food system education;

local food culture;

water management;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

irrigation and drainage;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

BC environmental farm plan;

livestock;

water rate for agriculture;

ALR;

food processing, storage and distribution;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

agricultural industry services;

ALR;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

research and data collection;

Food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

farmers' markets;

agri-tourism;

farm worker accommodation;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural impact assessment;

gravel extraction; 

roads in agriclutural land;

siting and coverage;

tax mechanisms;

residential development;

composting;

'net benefit to agriculture' language;

waste to energy;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

road in agricultural land; farm traffic;

ALR;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

BC environmental farm plan;

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

irrigation and drainage;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;;

water management;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;;

policy partnerships,

advocacy and development;

urban agriculture;

education;

urban gardens/orchard;

community food systems education;

education;

economic development;

signage in agricultural areas;

community food systems education;

agri-tourism;

farm incubator;

farmer training;

pilot project;

greenhouses;

waste to energy;

urban containment/growth boundary;

roads in agricultural land;

•  Designate strategically located lands outside of the Urban Containment Boundary as “Agriculture” on the land use map of the OCP.
•  Consider opportunities to develop specific road and servicing standards and requirements for Agriculture Development Areas or incubation areas and/ or lands designated as “agriculture” on the land use map in the OCP.

farm incubator;

farmer training;

economic development;

food production;

farm diversification;

aquaculture;

•  Use communication and marketing strategies around food and agriculture in Campbell River to promote a unique identity for specialized crops as appropriate. 
•  Collaborate with agencies and organizations to coordinate education initiatives in relation to land base opportunities and market feasibility of non-traditional crops such as mushrooms, salal, wild game, hops, bison etc. that may be suitable for ALR lands.
•  Support where appropriate land-based aquaculture, production of herbaceous fish. 

economic development;

education;

economic development;

education;

composting;

research and data collection;

waste to energy;

food sales, access and procurement;

food processing, storage and distribution;

farmers' markets;

food distribution;

•  Identify situations where soil capability and cropping options can be significantly enhanced with drainage and where private infrastructure must be connected to City drainage systems.
•  Ensure that capital drainage projects account for potential agricultural drainage areas where appropriate to ensure suitable long term pipe capacity.

climate change and greenhouse gases;

BC environmental farm plan;

pesticide and pest management;

waste to energy;

pilot project;

greenhouses;

education;

urban agriculture;

urban gardens/orchard;

ALR exclusion;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

soil;

ALR;

ALR subdivision;

ALR;

ALR exclusion;

ALR;

agricultural impact assessment;

roads in agricultural land;

ALR;

ALR;

leasing of land for agriculture;

research and data collection;

economic development;

food production;

farm diversification;

crops;

farm incubator;

new entrants to farming;

community food system education;

farmer training;

research and data collection;

farmer training;

roads in agricultural land;

farm traffic;

water management; 

food processing, storage and distribution;

food production;

irrigation and drainage;

crops;

food processing;

livestock;

food processing, storage and distribution;

food processing;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

protection of farming development permit area;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

urban-agriculture conflict/edge planning;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

protection of farming development permit area;

buffer at agricultural edge;

ALR;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

Support density increases in areas adjacent to the ALR, as part of a comprehensively planned neighbourhood, where the required agricultural buffers are widened proportionally to the increase in density (see DP4 of the Implementation Section of this OCP), where cluster housing is used and where natural features such as watercourses, steep slopes, tree preservation, valuable ecosystems and sensitive soils are accommodated.

food sales, access and procurement;

farmers' markets;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

local food culture;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising

food sales, access and procurement;

economic development;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

agri-tourism;

BC environmental farm plan;

wildlife and ecosystem management;

pilot project;

climate change and greenhouse gases;

waste to energy;

food sales, access and procurement;

urban agriculture;

farmers' markets;

urban gardens/orchard;

 grocery stores;

community kitchen;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

food policy council;

food sales, access and procurement;

food processing, storage and distribution;

farmers' markets;

farm retail/farm gate sales;

urban agriculture;

wildlife/environmental/pest management;

urban gardens/orchard;

pesticide and pest management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

farmers' markets;

food distribution;

urban gardens/orchard;

 grocery stores;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

nutrition and public health;

food access, sales and procurement;

policy partnerships, advocacy and development;

nutrition and public health;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

research and data collection;;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

ALR;

ALR subdivision;

ALR exclusion;

'benefit to agriculture' language;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

urban-agriculture conflict and edge planning;

agricultural impact assessment;

ALR;

Maintain an Agricultural Data System.

a) Update and expand the scope of the Agricultural Profile, the Agricultural Land Use Inventory, and the Geographic Information System every three years or sooner to maintain current information about the agricultural sector; ...See document for details.

ALR;

irrigation and drainage;

signage in agricultural areas;

roads in agricultural land;

farm traffic;

ALR;

agrocultural advisory committee;

agricultural impact aseesement;

ALR;

covenants;

buffer at agricultural edge;

residential development;

ALR;

policy partnerships. advocacy and development;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;;

The Agricultural Advisory Committee, farming community, City staff and other stakeholders shall work together to study, analyze, form options and strategies to address the following issues of concern around ESAs and the environment, as well as other issues that may arise that are of interest to the farming community:

• land use

• drainage, irrigation and ditch maintenance

• land clearing

• weed control

• crop loss due to wildlife and birds

education;

wildlife, environmental and pest management;

community food system education;

signs in agricultural areas;

local food culture;

Institute an information program to increase public awareness and commitment for agriculture, in consultation with the agricultural community, the Agriculture Awareness Coordinator (BC Agriculture Council), Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, and others:

a) Develop appropriate materials to share with all residents (e.g. publications, via the City website) to provide them with information about agricultural activity in their area, including...See document for details.

b) Develop an agricultural signage program...See document for details.

c) Encourage the ALC to develop signs to indicate the location and extent of the ALR. An example may be “You are now in the Agricultural Land Reserve. Please respect farmland.”

d) Develop a brochure that celebrates the City’s agricultural tradition and history....See document for details.

e) Encourage linkages and partnerships between the agricultural community and the media to facilitate public education and awareness;

f) Create an agricultural business profile to provide information on agriculture as a business opportunity;

g) Develop an information package for farmers about agricultural policies and bylaws, heritage policies that support the preservation of buildings, lands and methods, and make this package available to the RFI and the public and place it on the City website (see Recommendation 16);

h) Explore the opportunities for holding a special event (e.g. Harvest Festival) or regular seasonal activity (e.g. summer weekend Farmer’s Market) to promote local produce and celebrate the City’s agricultural tradition and history.

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

agricultural advisory committee;

covenants;

ALR;

development and productive use of agricultural land;

land access;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

zoning;

greenhouses;

ALR;

leasing of land for agriculture;

Maximize the agricultural land available for agricultural uses:

 
a) Review the feasibility of amalgamating smaller lots to larger ones wherever possible. These parcels could then be sold as farmland or leased to farmers; 

b) Request the Province to review the policies on non-resident land ownership in BC and in other jurisdictions to determine how land owned by non-residents may be more fully farmed; 

c) Establish guidelines for parcel sizes suitable for farming, including options for smaller parcels of 2 acres or less; 

d) Encourage longer-term lease opportunities for farmers: i) Discourage non-farm uses of the ALR land (see Recommendation 18); ii) Develop a City-based Agricultural Land Registry to assist farmers to find agricultural land available for leasing. 

e) Explore the rezoning of selected non-ALR land (currently zoned for light industrial use) to “Light Industrial/Agricultural” to provide for the inclusion of greenhouses as a use and to encourage greenhouse development on non-ALR land wherever possible;

f) Encourage non-ALR “multiple-use” industrial buildings that will attract partnerships such as allowing greenhouse development on the tops of some industrial buildings as a possible pilot project. 

g) Review the costs and benefits of selling or leasing the City-owned nursery to local farmers in order to minimize City competition with the agricultural sector.

economic development;

farm diversification;

partnerships/advocacy/liaising;

Encourage farmers to diversify their agricultural operations, by:
a) Liaising with support agencies such as BCMAFF, AAFC, GVRD and the ALC to gather information and identify resources to clarify diversification opportunities (e.g. new crop production and development, value-added production, etc.);

b) Encouraging partnerships between farmers and
i) Other farmers that haven’t been historically involved with the RFI and the proposed AAC; ii) Local businesses and industry, such as the hospitality sector, Chamber of Commerce, and others;iii) City Departments and City agencies, such as Business Liaison and Development, Tourism Richmond, Chamber of Commerce, and others; iv) Provincial and Federal ministries and agencies for projects which may make growth and diversification opportunities more easily attainable; v) Others to carefully locate and manage allotment gardens (community gardens) on agricultural lands. 

economic development;

education;

Encourage new farmers to enter the agricultural sector by:
a) Creating an agricultural business profile to provide information on agriculture as a business opportunity (see Recommendation 29 f);

b) Encouraging retiring farmers to apprentice new ones;

c) Investigating and publishing options for new farmers to obtain management skills training
from local educational institutions and private trainers;

d) Assisting local young people to find job opportunities in agriculture wherever possible,including co-operative education opportunities with area educational institutions such as
Kwantlen University College, University of British Columbia, and area secondary schools.