Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Resource Management Branch
The Resource Management Branch identifies and promotes agriculture and food production systems that are environmentally sustainable by incorporating the best management practices to protect air, soil and water quality. The Branch also monitors environmental indicators to anticipate and respond to future threats to the environment from current agriculture practices and threats to agriculture from environmental and climate changes.
Through
the leadership of the Strengthening Farming Program,
and in support of the Farm Practices Protection Act,
the Resource Management Branch also promotes strong
working relationships between the province,
agricultural industry and local governments. The
Program works toward a positive planning and
regulatory climate within local government
jurisdictions to encourage investment in
agriculture, food and fisheries, foster community
solutions to urban/agricultural land use conflicts
and lessen the urban/agriculture divide.
The Resource Management Branch is divided into four key program areas; strengthening farming, resource management, environmental programs and initiatives, and waste management/emergency preparedness.
Strengthening Farming Program
- Leads the Strengthening Farming Program (involving other branches and agencies)
- Supports local governments in development of Agricultural Area Plans
- Provides tools and guidance to local government for bylaw development
- Supports Farm Practices Protection Act and the Farm Industry Review Board
- Provides geo-referenced agricultural data for planning and bylaw development
- Promotes agricultural awareness through local Agriculture Advisory Committees
Resource Management Programs and Initiatives
- Supports delivery of the Canada/BC Water Supply Expansion Program
- Promotes water for agriculture through farm water use/conservation projects
- Explores agroforestry opportunities for environmental protection and economic benefit
- Encourages riparian protection, restoration and better management practices
- Responds to drainage and rainwater management issues
- Advances soil conservation and protection objectives
- Investigates waste-to-energy technologies for on-farm and community application
- Provides water management tools - for individual farms and communities
Environmental Programs and Initiatives
- Supports development and delivery of the Environmental Farm Plan program
- Promotes use of Agriculture Environment Initiative programs
- Facilitates the operations of the Partnership Committee on Agriculture and the Environment
- Identifies and supports agricultural Climate Change Initiatives - adaptation and mitigation
- Promotes sound manure and soil nutrient management and monitors impacts
- Encourages appropriate manure storage structures and addresses related issues
Waste Management/Emergency Preparedness Programs and Initiatives
- Operates the BC Ruminant Waste Transfer Station
- Supports the Investment Agriculture Foundation Livestock Waste Tissue Initiative
- Delivers the Canada/BC Specified Risk Material Management Program
- Participates in development of traceability databases and premise identification
- Leads in preparing for animal carcass disposal in emergency situations
- Participates in emergency preparation and response
