DISTRICT OF METCHOSIN
AGENDA
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, January 20, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Council Chamber, 4450 Happy Valley Road
1. Public Participation
2. Agenda, Additions, Approval
3. Presentations a) Rob Kline, Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture Advisory Committees, Agriculture Area Planning
4. Adoption of Minutes a) Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting, July 10, 2008
5. Business Arising from the Minutes a) Agricultural Uses In RR1 And RR2 b) Goose Depredation c) Metchosin Farm Forum Update d) PAC Membership Update
6. Correspondence a) Jared Gunn-McQuillan, Food Security, VIHA, Central Saanich Toolkit b) Rob Kline, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 2009 Conference on Agriculture Advisory Committees, Nanaimo; 2007 Agricultural Advisory Committee Workshop, Summary of Proceedings c) Growing Together publication d) Peninsula Agricultural Commission Minutes of October 9, 2008 e) Jennifer Horn, Rural Studies, Vancouver Island University
7. New Business a) Jared Gunn-McQuillan, Food Security, VIHA b) Sooke Farm Forum – Agriculture plans c) 2009 Agriculture Advisory Committee workshop Nanaimo 2009 d) Meeting with Mike Wicks, Westshore Chamber of Commerce e) Farmlands Project Workshops, CR-FAIR Farm Forum, November 27, 2008
8. Reports a) Abattoir update b) Juan de Fuca EDC, Food Chi: A Food Strategy For The Sooke Region, Preliminary Action Plan To Address These Issues. Final Report
9. Adjournment and Next Meeting Date
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FILE: 0118-55B DISTRICT OF METCHOSIN
MINUTES
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4450 HAPPY VALLEY ROAD
Attendance: Tom Henry, Brent Donaldson, Dieter Eisenhawer, Aileen McConnell, John Buchanan, Jo Mitchell
Action Items: Canada Goose depredation and control: Observer David Johnson agreed to research the Canada Goose issue as described in Item 3b and to report back at the next Metchosin Agriculture Committee Meeting November 20, 2008. After Mr. Johnson reports, Jim MacPherson will take the Canada Goose issue to the Peninsula Agriculture Commission.
Fall Agriculture Forum: Brent Donaldson, supported by Jo Mitchell, will take the lead role in developing an agriculture forum to be held in late October. Jo Mitchell will arrange for the venue and date. Brent and Jo will arrange for participants, advertising, logistics, etc. Jim MacPherson to be kept informed.
“What Does Farmland Mean to a Local Community,” BC MAAF presentation. Jim MacPherson and Jo Mitchell to determine whether Mr. Kline can make the presentation to Council in September.
Agriculture in RR1 and RR2 lands Jim MacPherson to research, report to committee members and bring to the attention of Mayor Ranns. ______1. Public Participation None
2. Agenda, Additions, Approval Additions to the Agenda: Pengrow, organic fertilizer available from Hartland landfill, Brent Donaldson to discuss under Presentations, Agenda Item 3a Canada Geese depredation and control added to Presentations, Agenda Item 3b Agricultural land uses in RR1 and RR2 residential land use zones to be added as New Business, Agenda Item 7b.
Agenda adopted as amended, Moved John Buchanan, Seconded Brent Donaldson, Carried
3. Presentations 3a) Pengrow, organic fertilizer
2 Brent Donaldson provided a brief description of “PenGrow” an organic fertilizer available at no cost by the CRD at the Hartland Landfill site. PenGrow is produced by the Saanich Peninsula Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is a biosolids-based high pH soil conditioner that will provide nitrogen and organic matter to soil. Pengrow is available pre-bagged or in bulk available for loading onto a truck. Further information is available by contacting Andy Liu at [email protected].
Document.pdf HDM-#244672-v1-Q &A_FOR_CRD_HOTLI
3b) Canada Geese depredation and Control Tom Henry described the destructiveness of Canada Geese of which as many as 60% in southern Vancouver Island are non-migratory. This issue is not unique to Vancouver Island and Canada Geese are over-wintering in Canada across the country. Canada Geese are protected species under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. We need to work with the Provincial and the Federal governments to control Canada Geese and to remove protection offered by the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
Bob Mitchell noted that permission to shoot Canada Geese can be acquired from Provincial Conservation Officers. Permits are free. Because of shooting bans near urban areas, police have to be notified.
Observer David Johnson agreed to research the Canada Goose issue as described and to report back at the next Metchosin Agriculture Advisory Committee Meeting November 20, 2008.
After Mr. Johnson reports, Jim MacPherson will take the Canada Goose issue to the Peninsula Agriculture Commission.
4. Adoption of Minutes a) Agricultural Advisory Committee Meeting April 29, 2008 Moved, Jo Mitchell. Seconded, Tom Henry. Carried.
5. Business Arising from the Minutes a) Fall Agricultural Forum In years past an agriculture forum had been held in the fall. The forum provided an educational role to describe to the public what farming in Metchosin is all about, and what farmers do. The forum also provided an educational opportunity to those who might be interested in taking up some form of agricultural production. The forum will also provide a good platform for farmers to talk to each other and to communicate to others how particular problems and issues might have been resolved. For example, the forum might be a good venue to make Metchosin farmers aware of the record keeping requirements necessary to handle any possible farm re-assessment which has been forecast for 2009. After discussion, it was decided to resume the fall agriculture forum.
Brent Donaldson, supported by Jo Mitchell, will take the lead role in developing an agriculture forum to be held in late October. Jo Mitchell will arrange for the venue and date. Brent and Jo will arrange for participants, advertising, logistics, etc. Jim MacPherson to be kept informed.
b) Becher Bay representation on MAAC Jo Mitchell reported that in light of Treaty negotiations, Becher Bay representation on the Metchosin Agriculture Advisory Committee is in abeyance.
3 c) CRA/WorkSafe follow-up Jim MacPherson reported that some farmers in Metchosin had been informed by the Canada Revenue Agency that they had employees for whom no statutory deductions had been submitted. CRA now demanded back payments for all deductions (Income Tax, Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan) This arose from a collaboration between BC Worksafe and CRA. In working with one Metchosin farmer affected, this farmer ultimately contacted CRA and met with an individual who helped sort things out. Ultimately, the persons affected contacted CRA and appear to have arrived at a satisfactory conclusion. The upshot is to register with CRA all persons who receive payment for work.
6. Correspondence a) Brian Currie re Farm Assessment Review (Email) Jim MacPherson indicated that he had received an email from, and had spoken to Brian Currie, BC Assessment confirming that a moratorium had been placed on farm reassessment and that Metchosin farms would not be reassessed until after the Review Panel had completed its report. b) Isobel Hoffmann re PAC membership Jo Mitchell indicated that Isobel Hoffmann, secretary to the Peninsula Agriculture Commission, had received Metchosin’s request for membership and that the PAC was considering the request.
10. New Business a) “What Does Farmland Mean to a Local Community,” BC MAAF presentation. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation, presented by Robert Kline to the Peninsula Agriculture Commission, was attached to the agenda for the review of committee members. Jim MacPherson and Jo Mitchell to determine whether Mr. Kline can make the presentation to Council in September.
b) Agricultural uses in RR1 and RR2 residential zones. Bob Mitchell brought to the attention of the Committee that some owners of residential properties in RR1 and RR2 (one and two acre residential lots) zones raised agricultural produce. In these zones, however, agriculture is not a permitted use. Mr. Mitchell noted that in many cases, neighbours were not aware that their neighbours were farming. He expressed the belief that Metchosin should amend zoning regulations for RR1 and RR2 lands permit agriculture. In response to a question, Jo Mitchell indicated that she was unaware of any complaints pertaining to agricultural uses in RR1 and RR2 lands.
Jim MacPherson to research, report to committee members and bring the matter directly to the attention of Mayor Ranns.
Reports a) Juan de Fuca Agriculture Committee Jim MacPherson reported that he had contacted CRD with regard to the Juan de Fuca Economic Development Commission’s intention to establish an agriculture committee. The committee has been established. MacPherson reported that he is on the contact list for the committee and will establish a liaison with the committee. b) Abattoir update John Buchanan reported that there was still some concern over the rising costs of constructing an abattoir. If constructed, the group is planning to cut and wrap meat on the facility. A Public Hearing is planned for September, date not yet set.
c) Membership in Peninsula Agriculture Commission Jo read from a letter from Isabel Hoffman of the Peninsula Agricultural Commission stating that Metchosin’s application to join had been referred to the constituent members for their approval. No action expected until September.
11. Adjournment and Next Meeting Date
4 Next meeting Thursday, November 20, 8:00 PM, Council Chambers.
5 AGRICULTURAL USES IN RR1 AND RR2
Conclusions and Review Commentary.
1. Relatively unrestricted agriculture is permitted only in Metchosin’s Agriculture (AG and AG1) land use zones. Only in these zones is agriculture a permitted use. The only restrictions that appear to apply are to non-conforming lots. AG and AG1 zoned agriculture lands are encompassed within the ALR. 2. Agriculture is a permitted use in upland (UP, UP1, and UP2), and rural residential (RU and RU4) land use designations, but Subsection 5 non-conforming lot restrictions apply in all cases to the numbers of animals that may be kept. These land use zones are not included within Metchosin’s ALR. 3. Agriculture is not recognized as a permitted use in amenity (AR1) and rural residential RR1 and RR2 land use designations, but allow for the keeping of animals. These land use zones are not included within Metchosin’s ALR. 4. Rural residential (RR3) zoned lands do not include agriculture as a permitted use but allows animals in accordance with Subsection 5 numbers. 5. The commercial growing of fruits, vegetables, herbs and other plants for food are encompassed with Land Use Bylaw definitions of Agriculture and Horticulture. Horticulture is not a permitted use in any land use zone. Agriculture is a permitted use only in agriculture, upland and certain rural residential land use zones. The commercial growing of plants for food appears to be permitted in no other land use zones. 6. Agriculture is defined in the Land Use Bylaw to include and permit a variety of ancillary and support services such as storage and equipment repair. These ancillary uses are not permitted uses in land use zones (for example, RR1 and RR2) where agriculture is not a permitted use. 7. The District of Metchosin does not have a Farm Bylaw in accordance with the provisions of The Local Government Act. 8. Provincial Right to Farm legislation, The Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act (FPPA), applies, in the absence of any District Farm bylaws, to agriculture lands in the ALR. 9. If the District has a Farm Bylaw as permitted and described in the Local Government Act, the Farm Industry Review Board will more likely apply provincial right to farm legislation to agricultural lands outside the ALR 10. Any protection to farming in Metchosin beyond that offered to ALR agriculture by the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act (FPPA) and administered through the Farm Industry Review Board, requires the District to adopt a Farm Bylaw in accordance with the Local Government Act.
6 Jarrod Gunn-McQuillan, Food Security, VIHA
It was nice getting together and it sounds like there are some great opportunities in Metchosin. I wanted to pass along two items that we discussed during our meeting. The first document is attached and is a toolkit that was put together for Central Saanich focused on farmland, land-use and agriculture issues with regards to municipal by-laws etc. It was done in partnership with The Land Conservancy (TLC) and will provide you with a bit of a background with regards to what they have been doing and how they have approached their municipal government. The second item is this year's call for proposals for the Community Food Action Initiative (CFAI) funding. It can be found on the VIHA food security website by scrolling down and clicking on "CFAI 2008 Application Package (pdf)". The website also has examples of other communities work and their reports they have submitted (ie. Action plans etc.). They are found by clicking on the right hand side under "2007/2008 CFAI Recipients" and "2006/2007 CFAI Recipients". http://www.viha.ca/mho/food/Food+Security.htm
I hope this is helpful.
Cheers,
Jarrod
------Regional Coordinator, Food Security Public Health, Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer Vancouver Island Health Authority 415-1900 Richmond Ave. -- Victoria, BC -- V8R 4R2 (p) 250.519.7043 (f) 250.592.0576 (e) [email protected]
7 Rob Kline
April 17, 2008
All Agricultural Advisory Committees
Dear AAC Chair:
In preparation for the 2009 Agricultural Advisory Committee workshop, I am sending a copy of the proceedings of the third biennial AAC workshop held last year. Additional copies may be printed from the Strengthening Farming Web site at: http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/ events.htm. We hope this information will stimulate thoughts about the type of information your AAC would like to discuss at next year’s gathering(s) of the now 34 AACs from around B.C. At the 2007 workshop, AACs presented information about seasonal farm worker housing, public awareness building about farming, and an agricultural area plan. Also, small-group discussions were held about subdivisions, water management, farm “home plate” and house size, and local government support staff. Appendix I contains feedback from several participants which included some suggestions for future AAC workshops. I trust this information not only will be valuable to your AAC in its regular deliberations, but also may give you ideas for future workshop topics. Please discuss at your AAC meeting the topics you would like the Ministry to consider in its preparation for the 2009 AAC workshop. We would also like your AAC’s opinion on whether there should be one workshop for the whole province, or three or four regional workshops. You can send your suggestions to me via the Ministry’s agrologist who works with your committee. We hope to receive all of the suggestions by early July 2008 so that we can start planning the workshop over the summer.
Yours sincerely,
Bert van Dalfsen Manager Strengthening Farming Program
Enclosure (Note: proceedings of the first three AAC workshops are available at the Web address below.)
8 MINUTES OF THE PENINSULA AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION Committee Room No. 2, Saanich Municipal Hall THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2008, AT 7:30 PM
Present: Lana Popham in the Chair; Phil Christensen; Ruby Commandeur; Chris Gosling; Michael Doehnel; Bev Marley; Bob Maxwell; Ken Travis; Flora Wood. Councillors Bryson (C. Saanich), Gillespie (Saanich) and Scoones (N. Saanich); Also present was Isobel Hoffmann, Sr. Committee Clerk. Regrets: Councillor Loveless; Terry Michell Guests: Patrick Barlow; Jacklin Hoole; Jenny Horn Minutes: Michael Doehnel requested an amendment to page 4, Agricultural Issues as follows: “Councillor Gillespie stated…….he is concerned that if P-3 partnerships become the norm, we could have significantly less control over our water. Much in the same fashion of NAFTA and the proposed TILMA inter-provincial trade workshop.” “Moved by Bev Marley and Seconded by Michael Doehnel: “That the Minutes of September 18, 2008 be adopted as amended.”
Carried
TREASURER’S REPORT – Ken Travis reported very little change; total balance of $1,193.43, which includes a term deposit for $1,100.
SPEAKER’S BUREAU – Jenny Horn, Vancouver Island University
Ms. Horn stated: She is the Administrative Coordinator for the Agriculture Resource and Innovation Centre Feasibility Study programme at Vancouver Island University. She supports small-scale agriculture and is interested in the social development of rural communities. Until now, there has never been a dedicated effort to develop agriculture on the Island and it is evident that there is a need for a coordinated attempt by various agencies to support small-scale agriculture. Funding was received from the Agri-Food Initiative for a feasibility study, a 10 month project to determine whether there is a need for an agricultural resource centre on the Island. The intention is to attend various agricultural-group meetings, like PAC, to solicit ideas to determine what kind of services would be required. Her job is to determine how the resource centre and its programmes could be supported so the funding doesn’t come out of the farmers’ pockets. Groups should not be working in isolation – this is where the Agricultural Resource Centre could facilitate working together to foster community development. There is definitely more public support for the challenges facing farmers today; and again, this is where the Resource Centre could help the farmers. She asked PAC to consider the following questions: o What are we doing well in agriculture on Vancouver Island? o What do we need more of to keep that happening?
Comments were noted as follows: There has been a grass-routes ground swell in terms of consumer-based support for locally grown food (eg: The 100 Mile Diet). Popularity of farmers’ markets is increasing in all areas, and the number of markets expanding.
9 Island chefs are becoming increasingly supportive of local products, and groups such as the Chef’s Collaborative work to support local farmers. The DFMA is working hard to promote local food, and they have a good website. Community-organized events, such as the North Saanich Flavour Trail, local farm and winery tours are growing in popularity and are well attended. Noted there can be a gap between the needs of the local farmers and the local municipalities. Educational institutes should be involved in extension services – eg: offering soil science courses. Many of the issues faced by today’s farmers could be addressed by students (provided they are supervised by someone with expertise); it would provide them hands-on experience. UVIC and Camosun as well as VIU. Apparently the IOC is looking into agri-tourism events and services for the 2010 Olympics. A programme that has been initiated is to try to link land and farmers together. With the increasing price of land, there are many farmers who can’t afford to purchase property but could lease land from a landowner who is not actively farming his land. We need support for this type of programme to be managed for the whole Island. There are increasing challenges with ALR lands: between 2001 and 2005, 87% of the applications for exclusion to the ALC were approved. Sometimes ALR land is left fallow; the longer it remains like this, the more it is at risk. Housing is also an issue: we cannot expect people to farm in Central or North Saanich and live in Victoria because there is no affordable housing available. Given the hours a farmer has to work, this is not a practical commute. On-farm housing is a big issue for seasonal workers; local governments seem to have issues surrounding rental and/or temporary housing – but it is an important necessity. There is a need for more effective marketing and networking – particularly as smaller growers continue to emerge. Local farmers continue to have major problems with geese destroying crops; local governments accept no responsibility; farmers and local farm groups don’t have the energy or the funds to deal with it either. Another issue is getting support from local municipalities for properly managed organic matter and composting operations, allowing farmers to share their product with other farmers or sell it. A central dumping place for horse manure would be helpful. A comprehensive directory of all farms, no matter what the size, would be a great resource of who is growing what – no matter the quantity. The DFMA directory has a list of only 60 or 70 farms, and yet in the recent CRD Water Study over 1100 people claimed farm status.
Ms. Horn stated: The study will run until February or March, 2009 and the results reported out in May. She is looking for ways that the Resource Centre programmes could be funded in perpetuity and has open access to anyone who needs it. Any ideas are welcome. VIU has the capacity to support project-oriented activities but need a resource person available to write grants and reach out to the communities. There have been many in-kind contributions from VIU. She thanked PAC for their insightful comments and suggestions and will forward a copy of the final report when it is available.
CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter from CRD requesting nominations to the Water Advisory Committee for 2009. Frank Edgell is the current appointee. (Note: after the meeting, it was confirmed with Frank that his appointment does not expire until the end of 2009. He is willing to continue on the WAC for another year. The secretary to advise CRD accordingly).
b) Response from PAC sent to Central Saanich re OCP review September 22, 2008
c) Response from PAC sent to N. Saanich Agricultural Commission re Dumping of Fill sent September 19, 2008. Members were very impressed with the Chair’s detailed report and
10 recommended that the information be sent to the local councils, the CRD, the Ministry of Agriculture and the ALC.
Noted response still pending to Saanich regarding the Moratorium on Farm Assessment; this has been requested by January, 2009.
SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNING FOR 2008
Bev Marley offered her home for the PAC Christmas Party this year – Thursday, December 11, 2008.
AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION – Sub-Committee Updates
Water – Michael Doehnel In general, most people attending the recent Storm Water Management Plan meeting were support of the final recommendations, noting the document was a solid step forward. A meeting will be set up with the farmers in the Martindale Valley shortly. An Open House on the Storm Water Management Plan will be held on October 16, chaired by Councillor Bryson.
Farm Economics – Terry Michell/Phil Christensen – nothing to report
Agricultural land Base – Bob Maxwell /Chris Gosling
Bob Maxwell stated regarding soil dumping issues – we need to come up with a practical solution to address these issues, as well as a base inventory and needs analysis. Noted we should find a way to link Island horse farms with fruit and vegetable growers as a way to manage the ever-increasing amount of horse manure.
Resource Stewardship – Phil Christensen
Further to the culvert improvements Saanich has proposed for O’Donnel Creek, Phil reported that he has talked to the new owner of the property who is willing to cooperate and allow the remedial work to finally be completed. He will send the name and contact information to the secretary, who can forward it to Colin Doyle in the Saanich Engineering Department.
Education - Flora Wood – nothing to report
Regulations – Ruby Commandeur – nothing to report
AGRICULTURAL ISSUES – CURRENT
District of Metchosin Membership – the secretary advised she is still working on the new formula to incorporate Metchosin into PAC. It would be beneficial to have everything settled by year end; a report needs to be prepared for the five Councils. In the meantime, minutes, agendas and other information are being sent to Metchosin and they are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Panama Flats – Councillor Gillespie stated there has been on-going dialogue, but nothing is resolved as yet.
OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Anny Scoones reported on the recent UBCM convention in Penticton, attended by about 2000 Councillors from all over the province. She noted there is clearly a ground shift in support of agriculture and the environment.
11 One of the main topics concerned the Meat Processing Regulations; nine municipalities put forward a resolution, which was endorsed, to loosen up the existing regulations. There were sessions on Food Security, resolutions put forward and endorsed. Mayor Frank Leonard spoke about the BCAA Farm Reassessment issues; he made it clear that both ALR and non-ALR lands were being considered in the review. This is contrary to what farmers have been told previously. o Ruby Commandeur noted there are huge blocks of farmland in northern BC which are very difficult to farm because there is no infrastructure; if changes aren’t made to the regulations to take these different issues into consideration, it will discourage the farmers and eventually push them off the land. o The Panel will be back in Victoria in November; it is important we raise these questions at that time.
Next Meeting: The next PAC meeting will be held on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Committee Room No. 2, Saanich Municipal Hall.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
I hereby certify that these Minutes are correct.
______Recording Secretary
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(Jennifer Horn)
Jim -
Thanks for your interest in the Agriculture Resource and Innovation Centre feasibility study being conducted by Vancouver Island University. This is a part-time feasibility study so that is why there is no mention of it (yet) on the Cowichan campus website.
Isobelle was a wee bit off the mark, in that I hold a PhD in Rural Studies, yet the Resource Centre would focus on agriculture development, in particular, in coordinating education and skill development, as well as assisting community organizations such as your committee to be more effective in your work (ie. board development, long term planning, organizational management etc. )
We are in the data gathering stage of the study, and I was intending to contact some folks in Metchosin through Bob Mitchell, so am glad to hear from you. I would like to have a conversation with you about agriculture development and possibly meet with your group, if you think that would be feasible.
I am off to Powell River, as I mentioned in my phone call, but will be back on Wed for the remainder of the week. Perhaps there is a day and time that might suit you best for a phone call later this week or in the next ?
You may also be interested to know that VIU has a very strong Tourism and Rural Sustainable Development capacity, for which Dr. Nicole Vaugeois is the lead. Check out the Recreation/ Tourism department, http://www.mala.ca/rectour/ , Nicole's website http://web.viu.ca/vaugeois/ and also the TRIP project, which highlights rural tourism innovations. http://www.trip-project.ca/ There is some very strong potential on Vancouver Island for tourism and agriculture development, especially with the rise in interest in Culinary Tourism.
Looking forward to talking with you and congratulations on getting the Metchosin Ag Advisory up and running !
Jenny Horn PhD Rural Studies Vancouver Island University ++++++++++++++++++++ Administrative Coordinator Agriculture Resource and Innovation Centre Feasibility Study [email protected]
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Meeting notes:
October 1, 2008
Jarrod Gunn-McQuillan, Regional Coordinator, Food Security Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer VIHA
Re: Opportunities for Metchosin to Benefit from Community Food Action Initiative (CFAI)
I first became aware of this program on September 8 when Jarrod updated the Sooke Agriculture Committee on Sooke’s proposal to CFAI for funding to help finance implementation of an agriculture plan.
I arranged to meet with Jarrod today. The highlights of the meeting follow:
1. The Community Food Action Initiative was established three years ago and is funded by the Ministry of Health which in turn has turned administration of the fund over to Health Authorities, the relevant one here being the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
2. The food security initiative addresses three themes:
a. Emergency provision, such as food banks b. Capacity building, focusing on the development of skills ranging from cooking, farming, gardening and others, and c. System issues, such as agriculture and food policy, land use policy, regulations, etc
These are all structured to operate at the local municipal and District level. For example, system issues focus on what may be possible at the municipal level. Examples might include changes in OCP policy, changes in land use regulations relating to agriculture production, changes in District policy pertaining to farm gate sales. There are no doubt many other possibilities.
3. Four funding streams are available:
a. Capacity building: funding to a maximum of $6,000 to bring players together, forums, networks, seminars, and similar events and actions to bring persons interested in promoting agriculture together. Funding is usually employed to pay for a professional facilitator. This may lead to the preparation of an Action Plan. b. Action Plan: funding to a maximum of $10,000. Usually coming out of the Capacity exercise, the Action Plan identifies issues, priorities, goals and approaches in how to move forward. This may lead to the preparation of an Implementation Plan. c. Implementation Plan: funding to a maximum of $20,000. Implementing the Action Plan d. Best Practices: funding to a maximum of $10,000. This funding stream is independent of the three mentioned above but can focus on successful innovative practices, pocket markets, food groups, others.
Jarrod noted that “food security” is a recent public policy initiative and that there are very few models, very little prior experience. Therefore there is very few bureaucratic or other baggage attached to what may or may not be funded.
4. Hubs: The Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiative Roundtable (CRFAIR) and Capital Families are two organizations very experienced with food security programming and can provide a lot of help.
Capital Families contact is David Stott. http://www.capfamilies.org/
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CRFAIR has worked, for example with Saanich in revising the OCP to accommodate food policy, and land use and regulatory change to support agriculture. Contact is Christina Peacock. http://www.communitycouncil.ca/crfair_nl/crfair_nl_partners.html http://www.communitycouncil.ca/activities.php#food
5. BC Ministry of Agriculture contact is David Coney. The Ministry has included food security in its most recent plan.
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Notes of a Meeting Between Jim McPherson, Chair, Metchosin Agricultural Advisory Committee, Mike Wicks, Executive Director, West Shore Chamber of Commerce, and David Stott, Food Security Coordinator, August 21, 2008
Meeting at the Broken Paddle Restaurant in Metchosin, the participants discussed how the Chamber could support local growers interests and concerns.
There are many concerns facing local small scale growers in their efforts not only to maintain or expand food production, but in many cases, even to survive and continue farming. However, the potential for local agriculture is enormous for several reasons, among others, much land is not presently being cultivated and with adequate support it could be, resulting in many benefits to not only farmers but, because of local agriculture's financial spin-off effects, many other parts of the local economy. [note: this wasn't spoken about but is important to set the scene, I think, for other readers]
Among the many issues facing agriculture, we focused on a few of the major ones where the local community, and the Chamber, might be able to offer support. They included: 1. Increasing local agricultural productivity 2. Finding sources of additional labour for local farms (including a farm labour pool?) 3. Support for land assessment issues that are undermining local farming
Several suggestions were offered including: 1. Supporting the grower community by assisting with marketing of products as needed [note: the possiblity of marketing workshops was not discussed] 2. Support for the development of small scale processing or storage facilities such as a manure/fertilizer warehouse 3. The possibility of the Chamber acting as a catalyst in helping secure agricultural labour with support from other sectors such as the various levels of government 4. A steering committee formed to provide guidance for any studies that Royal Roads might undertake. The steering committee would be comprised of individuals who knew something of the issues facing small farm agriculture to help make certain that any study was as comprehensive as possible.
The suggestion that Royal Roads University might be able to help with local research on agricultural concerns was also raised. The Chamber might also be able to offer a special membership fee for farmers with these funds being used for farmer/grower support. The Chamber might also advocate for special membership (and support?) for local growers with the 130 Chambers that are members of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, which holds it annual meeting in May and which might make representations to the Province on behalf of local farmers.
There was discussion about the Chamber Executive making a presentation to the Metchosin Agricultural Advisory Committee at its next meeting on Nov. 20th. Also, about the possiblity of the Executive giving a short presentation to the Metchosin Farm Forum (name?) on October 17th. Finally, it was noted that the Chamber is establishing an Advocacy Committee and this committee could be approached to support local growers.
Notes taken by David Stott
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CR-FAIR Farmlands Project, November 27, 2008
Morning Sessions #1 Planning for Food: Tools and Strategies for Local and Regional Governments
This practical workshop will provide both an overview of successful provincial programs pertaining to farmland and examples of strategies currently being employed at various levels of government to improve access and utilization of farmland for food production. We will look at how local and regional planning intersects with farmland through Regional Growth Strategies, Official Community Plans, Agricultural Area Plans and Agriculture Advisory Committees. What can governments do to protect farmland? Moderator: Derek Masselink – Masselink Environmental Design Panel:
• Ione Smith – Smart Growth BC
• Wanda Gorsuch – The Land Conservancy, Strategies for Municipalities Toolkit
• George Ehring – Trustee, Islands Trust
• Alastair Bryson / Hope Burns – District of Central Saanich
• Jim LeMaistre; Agriculture Area Plan – Strengthening Farming Program (MAL)
#2 Leasing and Land Sharing: Models for Land Access
Land prices make leasing an affordable option for many farm operators to access land. Leases offer an opportunity for both land owners who do not farm and retired farmers, to make their land available to farmers for production, rather than leaving it unused. Some view leasing as the solution to our land access problems. Others say it only works in limited cases. Could leasing and other land sharing arrangements between farmers and land owners create a win-win model of food security? What are some of the considerations in setting up leasing agreements? What are the benefits and challenges faced by land owners and farmer/tenants? Could a “linking program or database” such as the former Linking Land and Future Farmers (LLAFF) effectively bring landowners and farmers together? Should we try again? If so what do we need to do differently? Moderator – Tom Henry – Editor, Small Farms Canada Panel:
• Jason Found – Farm Folk City Folk, Community Farms Program
• Brian Stretch – Land owner, Cotyledon Farm
• Tina Fraser Baynes – Haliburton Farm
• Robin Tunnicliffe – Feisty Field Farm, Linking Land and Future Farmers Initiative
• John Buchanan – Parry Bay Farm
#3 Our Regional “Food Basket” – Looking Beyond Farmlands
The goal of this conference is to ensure we have access to lands for growing food into the future. This workshop steps “outside the box” to look beyond our designated farmlands. Our Capital Region is blessed with a rich variety of “foodscapes” in addition to our agricultural land. Our seashores and forests have sustained Aboriginal communities
17 throughout time. Urban areas are being recognized as having great food-producing potential. How do increasing population, environmental impacts, government policies and development pressure take their toll on these other food lands? What is being done to protect traditional lands and preserve the rights of the First Nations to food sovereignty? Is urban agriculture a viable way to increase our food-producing capacity? This workshop will explore a range of issues and initiatives that are important pieces of a regional food mosaic. Moderator: Sonya Chandler – Councillor, City of Victoria Panel:
• TBA – Tsartlip First Nations
• Lee Fuge – Food Roots Pocket Markets
• Melanie Sommerville – Urban Agriculture, Lifecycles
Afternoon sessions
#4 Carrot and Stick: A look at Farm Status and Assessment Tools
The Agriculture Land Reserve is one of the main policy tools we have to maintain agricultural land. But for land outside the ALR, taxation is another means to achieve this objective. In 2007, a shift in how policies regarding farm classification and assessment were implemented by the BC Assessment Authority affected over 200 farms in Saanich with significant tax increases. Local farmers and supporters came together, calling for a reevaluation of the changes and a review of the proposed approach to farm classification and assessment. In response to this pressure, a Farm Assessment Review Panel was created; it is currently touring the province, listening to the public’s views and ideas regarding the farm assessment policies. So what would farm tax assessment policies and regulations in BC look like if they were to truly preserve farmland and encourage agricultural production on that land? Come hear ideas and proposals and be prepared to give your feedback. Moderator: David Reid – Lifecycles (MA Thesis – Public Process in the Farm Assessment Review)
#5 Creative Partnerships: Emerging Models for Farmland Access
Currently one of the greatest barriers to farming our farmlands is the issue of access. The cost of land has skyrocketed to approximately $100,000 per acre. The average age of farmers is 55; many of these farmers will be looking to retire over the next 10 years. Many farming families have no children to continue the farm business. Most people getting into farming are young and/or undercapitalized and don’t have the ability to purchase land or to expand their existing acreage. But in BC we have some creative, inspiring models for accessing farmland that can make it possible for a new generation of farmers to grow our food and allow those who want to retire from farming the ability to do so comfortably. What are some of these public/private partnership models? What have been the challenges and opportunities both organizations and individuals have faced, and the strategies they have employed, in securing land for agriculture? Moderator: Deb Curran – Deborah Curran and Company; co-founder SmartGrowth BC Panel:
• Heather Pritchard – Farm Folk City Folk Community Farms Program
• Brandy McPherson – Our EcoVillage
• Kezia Cowtan – Lifecycles / Lohbrunner greenhouse project/TLC Partnership
#6 From Ideas to Action: Farmers and Eaters taking action on farmland issues
The demand for local food has never been higher but the challenges to farmers and access to land are daunting. If we are to protect and expand local food production, farmers and consumers must join forces to exert their political will and promote policies that support farmland and foodlands. How do farmers take up their own cause and engage their customers in actively supporting them? What is being done to inspire activism in support of our farmlands? Who are
18 some of the people and organizations doing this work? What kinds of actions are effective and what are some tools for helping people to speak out? How do we get the media onside? Moderator: David Mincey – Island Chefs Collaborative / Bastion Square Farmer’s Market Panel:
• Lana Popham – Barking Dog Vineyards, activist, candidate
• David Cubberley – MLA Saanich South
• Elmarie Roberts/Marty Snow – Haliburton Farm Community Supported Agriculture Program
• Ken Hueston – Island Chefs’ Collaborative
• David Chambers – Madrona Farm
#7 Focus on the Farmland Trust: “the What, Why and How”
This workshop will explore Farmland Trust Models. What is a farmland trust? Is the trust model viable as a way to protect farmland and ensure an ongoing use for food production? What are the advantages and challenges to creating a trust? What is being done in this region and what is being done that we can draw from in other parts of the world (USA, Britain)? Moderator: Pat Reichert – Salt Spring Island Farm Alliance Panel:
• Paula Hesje – The Land Conservancy
• Barbara Souther – Woodwynn Farm
• Conrad Pilon – Board Member – Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust
Closing Plenary – Corky Evans, MLA
Findings and a Call to Action Closing Strategy Session
Networking Wine and Cheese
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