Agricultural Land Commisson (ALC) –  will remain a fully independent tribunal  and continue to make final decisions on specific land uses within the land reserve (ALR). The improvements include the creation of two ALC administered zones to better recognize the province’s regional differences.

In Zone 1, where land is in greater demand and there are development and population pressures, ALC decisions will continue to be made on the basis of the original principle of preserving agricultural land.

In Zone 2, where growing seasons are shorter and there are lower value crops, ALC decisions will now, in addition to the original principle, include additional considerations to provide farmers with more flexibility to support their farming operations.

Other improvements include formalizing the ALC’s existing model of six regions and six regional panels into law to strengthen regional decision making as well as giving local governments the opportunity to engage with the ALC earlier in their land use planning processes to ensure better coordination and more timely decisions. To improve services to farmers, the Commission’s operations will be enhanced. This will include establishing governance and accountability frameworks and service standards, consistent with other government boards, agencies and commissions as well as filling staff vacancies and moving forward with the appointment of a CEO.

Fred Steele BC Fruit Growers Association says “The BCFGA understands changes must be made to the ALR in order to provide sustainable and profitability for the tree fruit industry. To ensure these changes benefit tree fruit growers and all farmers, we are prepared to engage in positive discussions with the Province to ensure regulations benefit the farm industry and protect farmland in British Columbia.”

David Haywood BC Cattlemen’s Association says “BC Cattlemen’s Association recognizes the complexity of the issues surrounding the ALR and those affected by it. We are encouraged that the Minister understands that the ALC must remain an independent decision making commission whose purpose is to protect agricultural lands and the stakeholders who make their living producing food from this land. Our goal is to see the improvement of the ALR for the present generation of ranching families who are responsible for the stewardship of these lands and for future generations who need to see that there is hope for a sustainable future on these lands.”