The province has released the final report of the committee appointed to recommend ways to revitalize the Agricultural Land Commission, nearly five months after it was submitted. The report makes 32 recommendations and concludes by encouraging an “agriculture first” approach to managing the Agricultural Land Reserve. Dated December 4, the province released it April 30. …
ALR
NDP declare “full-on war on farmers”
Close to 200 farmers and landowners from across the Lower Mainland gathered in Surrey on March 24 to discuss concerns regarding Bill 15, which is set for second reading this week. The bill proposes five key changes to the Agricultural Land Commission, but the most contentious is one that strips landowners of the right to …
Province launches ALR review
Panel includes veterans, critics of farmland policies VICTORIA – The province kicked off the new year with a bang, announcing a nine-member panel to review and recommend steps for the revitalization of the province’s 45-year-old Agricultural Land Reserve. Headed by Port Alberni water buffalo farmer Jennifer Dyson, who until last year sat on the Agricultural …
The Back 40: It’s time for farmers to speak up
British Columbia’s Agricultural Land Reserve is about to mark its 45th anniversary. The landmark legislation was the first of its kind in North America when it was introduced by the NDP government of Premier Dave Barrett in 1973. It was immediately contentious and has remained so throughout its history. The fact that it still exists …