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Publications

	Agriculture in Brief (Ag Statistics)
	Edge Planning
	Farm Practices Protection
	GIS and Land Use Inventory
	Growing Knowledge Reports
	Growing Together Newsletters
	Introductory Publications and Factsheets
	Planning for Agriculture
	Other Publications

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Agriculture in Brief (Ag Statistics)

The Agriculture in Brief documents are a series of 2-page documents that summarize agriculture in 52 municipalities and regional districts throughout BC. The documents highlight agricultural statistics such as the total area farmed, farmland use, crops, livestock and total farm capital.

Use the drop-down box to select your municipality or regional district, then click the GO button.

Edge Planning

The following list highlights Planning for Agriculture publications that would be of interest to communities wanting to pursue Edge Planning. Click on Overview for a short description or click on the title to view the entire publication.

Guide to Edge Planning (2008) [3.2 mb]
Edge Planning Areas - Background Paper (2006) [306 kb]
AgFocus: A Guide to Agricultural Land Use Inventory (2004) [1 mb]		Overview
Vegetative Buffers in BC. An Investigation of existing buffers and their effectiveness in mitigating conflict (2003) 3 mb]		Overview
The Countryside and You - Understanding Farming (1998) [4.1 mb]		Overview
Planning for Agriculture (1998) Chapter 8 - Planning Along Agriculture's Edges Appendix 20 - A Check List of Common Urban / Agricultural Conflicts		Overview
Planning Subdivisions Near Agriculture (1997) [2.8 mb]		Overview
Subdivision Near Agriculture...A Guide for Approving Officers (1996) [34 mb]		Overview
Landscaped Buffer Specifications (1993)		Overview

Farm Practices Protection

Farm Practices

Farm Practices in BC Reference Guide (update 2003)

The Guide includes about 62 separate factsheets grouped under the headings 'Commodity Specific', 'Farm Activity', and 'Farm Nuisance'. The documents describes many of British Columbia's diverse farm practices in general terms and refers to existing government legislation, industry guidelines and other sources of information related to farm practices.

Issues

Guidelines For Farm Practices Involving Fill (2006)

This 15-page Strengthening Farming Factsheet describes farm practices involving soil and/ or woodwaste fill, and the rationale/ references for these practices.

The Use of Audible Bird Scare Devices in British Columbia in 2001

This 64-page report addresses complaints about the use of audible bird scare devices to protect agricultural crops from damage by birds. It focuses on BC, but also considers regulations in a number of other jurisdictions. [1.2 mb]

Executive Summary - The Use of Audible Bird Scare Devices in British Columbia in 2001 [97 kb]

GIS and Land Use Inventory

AgFocus: A Guide to Agricultural Land Use Inventory

This 30-page guide outlines practical details on how to undertake a land use inventory in agricultural areas. It includes a ready-to-use coding system for agricultural activities and land covers. (2004) [956 kb]

AgFocus: An Agricultural GIS- Pitt Meadows Pilot Project

This 90-page guide outlines the benefits of applying a Geographic Information System in agricultural areas with details of how this may be undertaken. The guide was largely based on experience gained from the Pitt Meadows Pilot Project. (2001) [4.3 mb]

AgFocus: An Agricultural GIS - Overview

This 12-page booklet is a summary of AgFocus: An Agricultural GIS- Pitt Meadows Pilot Project. The booklet is intended for local government representatives and others who want a snapshot of agricultural GIS benefits. (2001) [1.2 mb]

Growing Knowledge Reports

The Agricultural Land Reserve and its Influence on Agriculture in the City of Kelowna (2008)

The ALC and the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands undertook this study to understand the impacts of the ALR with regard to its influence on agricultural land use in the City of Kelowna. Since the ALR was established over 34 years ago, it is useful to examine how agriculture has been shaped by the ALR and to illustrate its effectiveness in protecting farmland and sustaining the agriculture sector. [1 mb]

Public Amenity Benefits and Ecological Services Provided by Farmland to Local Communities in the Fraser Valley (2007)

This study asked urban residents what is important to them about having farmland in their community? What benefits do they see and what value do they place on the benefits? These benefits are often termed �public� or �social� benefits as compared to �private� or market based benefits. The results of this study provide an estimation of the value of the �public� benefit of farmland and this value can then be considered in future land use decision-making processes. [2.8 mb]

Direct Financial Contribution of Farming Areas to Local Governments in British Columbia (2005)

This study provides some clarity regarding the financial contribution of farming areas to a local community by investigating the property tax revenues generated by the farming area and the cost of services provided in the farming area. The study looked at the communities of Abbotsford and Pitt Meadows in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. [6 mb]

Growing Together Newsletters

"Growing Together" is a series of four-page broadsheets on a variety of topics related to the Strengthening Farming program and the Partnership Committee on Agriculture and the Environment.

	Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Hires Agriculture Support Officer [1.0 mb] Farming in Partnership with Local Governments - Fall 2007, Vol 8, No.1
	B.C.'s Strengthening Farming Program Highlighted [1.3 mb] Farming in Partnership with Local Governments - Fall 2006, Vol 7, No.1
	Availability of Farmland Key to Agriculture's Success [1.4 mb] Farming in Partnership with Local Governments - Fall 2005 Vol 6, No. 1
	Strong Start for Environmental Farm Planning [2.9 mb] Farming in Partnership with Local Governments - Fall 2004 Vol 5, No. 1
	Local Governments Promote Agriculture [1.4 mb] Farming in Partnership with Local Governments - Fall 2003 Vol 4, No. 1
	Nutrient Management Means Economic and Environmental Returns [935 kb] The Agriculture and Environment Connection - Winter 2001 Vol 3, No. 1
	Reaping the Fruits of Change [887 kb] Farming in Partnership with Local Government - Fall 2001 Vol 3, No. 2
	Partnership Committee Making Progress [673 kb] The Agriculture and the Environment Connection - Winter 2000 Vol 1, No. 2
	BC's Local Governments Planning for Agriculture's Sustainable Future [1.2 mb] The Rural-Urban Connection - Fall 2000 Vol 1, No. 2
	Finding the Balance in Planning [1 mb] The Rural-Urban Connection - Fall 1999 Vol 1, No. 1

Introductory Publications and Factsheets

Two introductory publications were written after the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act was passed by the BC Legislature in 1995. The Act came into force in April 1996.

	Good Neighbour Farming (1996)
	Consultation Background Report (1995)

Several factsheets were developed to provide further details about the Strengthening Farming program.
	Strengthening Farming Program...An Overview (2005) [433 kb]
	Highlights (1996) [105 kb]	html
	"Normal farm practices" and the "right to farm" [106 kb]	html
	Resolving public concerns and complaints [110 kb]	html
	Local governments and the right to farm [107 kmb]	html
	Planning for farming [109 kb]	html
	Important information for local government subdivision approving officers [106 kb]	html
	Important information for staff of local governments [105 kb]	html

Planning for Agriculture

A Guide to Using and Developing Trails in Farm and Ranch Areas
(updated 2006)

This 59-page trail guide was developed to assist trail proponents and developers. The trail guide emphasizes the importance of land use compatibility when trails are being considered in or near agricultural areas. The guide outlines mitigative techniques, provides design examples and reviews planning and consultative processes. The Trail Guide also provides a "Code" for trail users in farm and ranch areas. [20 mb] Table of Contents [52 kb]

Trails through Agriculture Areas (2005) This 2-page brochure is designed to inform users of trails that go through agriculture areas of several key points to help ensure a safe recreational experience that respects the working landscape they are passing through. [880 kb]

Vegetative Buffers in BC. An Investigation of existing buffers and their effectiveness in mitigating conflict (2003) This 93 page report documents the results of an investigation that was undertaken in 2003 to determine the effectiveness of vegetative buffers in mitigating conflict. By conducting physical assessments and interviews with farmers and residents who lived next door to buffers, a number of conclusions and recommendations were drawn to aid in the establishment of buffer guidelines to promote urban-rural compatibility. 3 mb]


Local Government Links with Agriculture - Survey 2001 This report contains the results of a 2001 survey involving over 70 local governments in BC. The survey explored how municipalities and regional districts link with their local farm and ranch communities in decision-making and planning processes. The survey results were forwarded to all local governments surveyed. A copy can be viewed at the Ministry office in Abbotsford.

Separating Agriculture and Urban Land Uses - An Investigation of the Effectiveness of Landscaped Buffers (2001)

This 98-page, unpublished report was prepared by the Ministry. The report focuses on decisions made by the Agricultural Land Commission that required buffering. Eleven case studies in three regions of BC were examined. A copy can be viewed at the Ministry office in Abbotsford.

The Smart Growth Guide to Local Government Law and Advocacy
(2001)

This comprehensive guide, prepared by West Coast Environmental Law, focuses on the topics of "smart" urban growth.
Chapter 6 - Protecting Agricultural Land - discusses the Agricultural Land Reserve and the Strengthening Farming Program.

Agricultural Advisory Committees Information Package (2000)

This information package has been developed to provide information for municipalities and regional districts that may be interested in appointing an Agricultural Advisory Committee. The package includes:

AACs - An Overview Brochure [1.7 mb]
Model Terms of Reference [33 kb]
Sample Volunteer's Contract [1.5 mb]
AACs - "Some Ideas" [132 kb]

The Countryside and You - Understanding Farming (1998)

This 24-page booklet explains to the non-farmer living in or near an agricultural area what to expect from agricultural operations as farmers and ranchers go about their day-to-day activities. [4.1 mb]

Guide for Bylaw Development in Farming Areas (1998)

This Bylaw Guide contains extensive information about the development of zoning bylaws in farming areas and contains the Minister's Standards to guide bylaw development. Farm bylaws are also discussed, along with other opportunities to strengthen farming. [380 kb]

Planning for Agriculture (1998)

Planning for Agriculture - Resource Materials (TOC only) (1998)

Planning for Agriculture (66 pages) summarizes the key issues in the Planning for Agriculture - Resource Materials (400 pages, $50) document. The reports were prepared by the Agricultural Land Commission to encourage greater focus on agricultural issues and opportunities during planning processes.

Bylaw Review (TOC only) (1996 / 97 revised in 1998)

This 94-page, unpublished document reviewed the zoning bylaws of 19 local governments to better understand the agriculturally relevant portions of the bylaws. The bylaw review provided background information in the development of the Guide for Bylaw Development in Farming Areas. Copies may be viewed at the Ministry office in Abbotsford. [307 kb]

Planning Subdivisions Near Agriculture (1997)

This 12-page brochure summarizes the report Subdivision Near Agriculture... A Guide for Approving Officers. The brochure is designed for the general public, particularly those individuals who may be planning to subdivide next to the Agricultural Land Reserve. [2.8 mb]

Subdivision Near Agriculture...A Guide for Approving Officers (1996)

This 21-page guide, was developed to assist subdivision approving officers when considering proposals for subdivision near farmland. It includes examples of ways to improve subdivision design, provide buffering and manage road patterns to improve land use compatibility along agriculture's edge. Sample draft covenants associated with the provision of buffering are also included. [34 mb]

Strengthening Farming in British Columbia (TOC Only)
A Guide to Implementation of the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act (1996)

This document, often referred to as the 'Yellow Binder', was completed in 1996 and forwarded to all local governments with land in the ALR. It contains a compilation of information and documents relating to the Strengthening Farming Program including:

Strengthening Farming Factsheets
Farm Practices in BC Reference Guide
Subdivision Near Agriculture...A Guide for Approving Officers
[34 mb]
pertinent legislation
information related to concern and complaint process

Strengthening Farming in British Columbia

Landscaped Buffer Specifications (1993)

This document was developed by the Agricultural Land Commission to provide practical examples of the buffering of urban development next to farming. It includes fencing specifications.

Other Publications

Agricultural Advisory Committee Workshop 2007 - Proceedings

The third Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) Workshop was held in Richmond in February 2007. The Proceedings document summarizes the presentations and small-group discussions. It also contain results of the participant evaluation of the workshop, a list of the workshop participants, and a list of AAC contacts. [1.7 mb]

BC's Food Self-Reliance

This report was conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands in 2006.

The goal of the study was to get a perspective on total food production and food self-reliance in the Province of British Columbia. The study used a methodology to estimate food self-reliance using farm gate production rather than wholesale value.

The report is an information piece, and does not necessarily represent current or future policy direction. The statistical data in the report is factual and will be used to develop benchmarks for further research and study by Ministry staff. [840 kb]

Small Scale Farming in the South Cowichan Valley (2000) [655 kb]

This publication, from the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, is a report about the South Cowichan Valley which was studied to help paint a better picture of small scale farming in the community. In 2000, the Ministry's work defined small scale farming as annual sales of less then $50,000 and small lots as lots less than 10 acres.

Small Lot Agriculture [925 kb]

The Role of Small Lot Agriculture in the South Coastal Region

This This report explores the role of lot size in agriculture production in the past and the present in the hopes of developing a better understanding of how small lots may contribute to the farming industry and the rural community in the future.

Post World Congress Seminar Planning for Food 2006- Proceedings

On June 21, 2006, the Post World Congress Seminar Planning for Food was held in Vancouver. This inaugural event examined the important issues of preserving farmland and planning for agriculture within our expanding urban communities.

Agricultural Advisory Committee Workshop 2005- Proceedings

The second Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) Workshop was held February 2005. The Summary of Proceedings include the four presentations, a list of workshop participants and a list of AAC contacts. [2 mb]

The Rural-Urban Connection: Growing Together in Greater Vancouver
(2004) [464 kb]

The "Rural-Urban Connection" is an article published in Plan Canada (Spring 2004 Vol. 44, No. 1). The article outlines how the Livable Region Strategic Plan of the GVRD and the Provincial farmland preservation program - the ALR - have worked together to provide for population growth while maintaining farmland and the many associated benefits of ensuring a vibrant agricultural sector in the Region.

Comox Valley Brochures 2003

Comox Valley- Agriculture and the Countryside [5 mb]

Farming Opportunities in the Comox Valley [3.4 mb]

These 12 and 8-page brochures were developed as part of the Comox Valley Agricultural Area Plan in January of 2003.

Agricultural Advisory Committee Workshop 2003

Summary of Proceedings [5.4 mb]

Appendices [918 kb]

February 2003, a workshop brought together nearly 120 members of Agricultural Advisory Committees (AACs) from around the province, staff that assist AACs, and representatives of communities interested in forming an AAC. The Summary of Proceedings includes each presentation made at the workshop and the Appendices include a list of participants and AAC contacts.

AAC Workshop 2003

Feeding the Apartment Dwellers (2001) [142 kb]

"Feeding the Apartment Dwellers" is an article published in Plan Canada

(Oct-Dec 2001, Volume 41, No.4).

The article summarizes work related to the City of Richmond's Agricultural Viability Strategy.

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