AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES - REPORT TO THE CARIBOO REGIONAL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Submitted on September 4, 2013 for September 13, 2013

On March 13, 2013, I attended an AAC Workshop in Langley which was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture.  A similar workshop was held in Kelowna.  The overall objective of the workshops was to enable participants to take away ideas and information that would help them provide effective advice and support to their local councils and boards.  Information on the workshops can be found online at  http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/aac/wrkshps.htm

Following the workshop, an AAC Meeting was held on April 19, 2013 in Quesnel.  The objective of this meeting was to introduce the North Cariboo agriculture community to what an AAC is and to gauge interest as to whether stakeholders felt there was a need for an AAC to be established in the North Cariboo.  A total of 13 persons attended this meeting who are members and /or representatives of the following local / regional organisations:

Quesnel Cattlemen
FARMED (North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association)
Ministry of Agriculture
Cariboo Regional District
Community Futures – North Cariboo
Quesnel Climate Action Group - Food Security Working Group / Quesnel Community Garden
Community Futures Development Corporation – North Cariboo
City of Quesnel
Beyond the Market (Prince George)

AAC’s are proven to be an effective way for local government to connect with their farm and ranch communities.   At present, there are approximately 45 AACs serving local governments across British Columbia.  Of these, 21 provide advice at a regional level or to multiple jurisdictions whereas another 24 serve municipalities, cities, or a Gulf Islands Trust Committee. 

With the interest and need to create food secure, sustainable communities, the linkages between local food and health,  and the importance of having strong diverse economies,  the establishment of  AAC’s to increase the presence of the agriculture at the Cariboo Regional District table is recommended and timely.

Prior to completing this report, I spoke to representatives of 4 existing AAC’s throughout the province (Maple Ridge, District of Lakes  Country, Peace River, and Squamish – Lillooet Regional District – Electoral Area B).  A summary of these conversation is included with this report.  All of the persons I spoke to saw value in having an AAC and felt the function and purpose of the AAC was important and ensured agriculture was at the table of their local government.  All of these AAC’s have either lead the development of an Agriculture Plan for their area or are in the process of having a plan created.  For additional information on available funding specific for Agriculture Plans, go to  http://www.iafbc.ca/funding_available/programs/local-govt-ag-planning/ag_planning.htm

Recommendations

·         AAC’s be established for sub-regions (e.g. North Cariboo, South Cariboo, Central Cariboo) rather than on an Electoral Area base and /or for the entire Regional District.  Sub-regional AAC’s would capture the diversity of the agriculture sectors in the sub-regions without creating an entity which would be challenged due to the large size of the Regional District;

·         For each of the Sub-Regional AAC’s formed, representatives from “member municipalities” should be invited and encouraged to participate in the AAC process (e.g. District of Wells, City of Quesnel, City of Williams Lake, District of 100 Mile House).  Although agriculture is typically associated with Regional Districts the linkages between “urban” and “rural” is critical for creating a strong, local agriculture and food production sector.  The involvement of member municipalities will strengthen the relationship between consumers and producers in that people will learn what is produced locally and by whom.  “Urban agriculture” systems could also be practiced more within municipal boundaries which the AAC could assist with;

·         The AAC would not replace existing Electoral Area based Advisory Planning Committees / APC’s; rather they would complement the duties completed by APC’s by specifically assessing agriculture related issues (Agriculture Land Reserve, bylaws, etc.);

·         AAC could address land use issues but would also be key to advocacy and awareness of agriculture / local food production and its importance in creating healthy, sustainable, diverse communities.   Ideally, the AAC would be allocated some discretionary funds so this objective could be fully achieved.

·         Create a working group / committee in each of the sub-regions that are interested in establishing an AAC.  This group would work with staff to develop Terms of Reference, propose a budget, and set some goals (Agriculture Plan, Open House, etc.).

Attachments:
Letters of Support – North Cariboo farmers & agricultural organisations
Lower Mainland Agricultural Advisory Committee Workshop Summary (March 13, 2013)
Quesnel AAC Meeting (April 19, 2013)
AAC Brochure (January, 2013) – Ministry of Agriculture - http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/aac/AAC_Brochure_Jan%202013.pdf
Model Terms of Reference – http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/Ag_Advise_Comm/Model_Terms_of_Ref.pdf

 SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF EXISTING AAC’S

District of Maple Ridge
http://www.mapleridge.ca/EN/main/municipal/728/aac.html
Diana Hall, Urban Planner
Spoke to Diana on July 23, 2013

ü  AAC established in 2007

ü  $10,000 / year allocated to AAC; 50% of budget used to support an annual event which involves culinary students and showcases and celebrates locally produced food, connects students with restaurants and restaurants with producers; educates and connects consumers and producers; tickets are sold at $25/person (2013 event: October 9^th);  also provides supports to young farmer programs – e.g. 4-H

ü  Focus of AAC is on (i) small lot agriculture, (ii) strengthening district’s farming sector, (iii) highlighting that the district has an agriculture sector; (iv) agritourism (considering organising a “Slow Food” tour)

ü  Considering beginning a “Dating Service” which will connect “new farmers” to land owners; assessing alternative forms of tenures which would enable those without land to farm on available farmland;

ü  In 2009, lead the creation of an Agriculture Plan for the District which was partially funded through Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC;

ü  Provides letters of supports to initiative involving farming

ü  2 municipal councilors are on the AAC; these people are voting members

ü  Staff liaison attends all the AAC meetings, applies for grants for the AAC, and provides other support.

Peace River Regional District
http://prrd.bc.ca/board/committees/index.php
Wayne Hiebert, AAC Chair / Electoral Area Director
Spoke to Wayne on July 26, 2013

ü  Established ~15-20 years ago

ü  Meets every 2 months / 3^rd Tuesday of the month; comprised of representatives of all different agriculture groups / sectors from throughout Regional District;

ü  Reviews OCP’s / Official Community Plans;

ü  review and provide advice on matters regarding the agricultural sector in the Regional   District, including recommendations for ways to enhance agriculture in the region.

 ü  Agriculture related concerns identified by the board will be directed to AAC for review and comment

ü  Advises on Non-Farm uses on ALR land – water plans, oil / gas proposals, worker camps

ü  Developing an Agriculture Plan (accessed funding through IAF / Investment Agriculture Foundation); draft copy of plan will be presented to board in September; hope to have plan finalised by year end; Agriculture Plan will address food security, the promotion of agriculture, and advocacy by providing guidance to the Regional District for encouraging and supporting agricultural activity both within and the outside of the ALR;http://prrd.bc.ca/documents/Reg.Ag.Plan.Paper.Apr.2013_000.pdf 

ü   Important for addressing the changing times in agriculture & to deal with pressures from light industry & residential development

ü  Eyes of agriculture for local government

ü  Terms of Reference - http://www.prrd.bc.ca/documents/AAC.MaL.TOR.pdf

Squamish – Lillooet Regional District – Electoral Area B
http://www.slrd.bc.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=211
Jacquie Rasmussen, P. Ag., AAC Chair
Spoke to Jacquie on July 28, 2013

ü  Established ~2 1/2 years ago; Electoral Area based rather than RD; RD is too diverse and large for a single plan; Electoral Area C (around Pemberton) has their own AAC;

ü  Established due to request of Area B residents but lead by Director Mickey Macri; representatives are from agriculture sectors and associated community groups (wineries, livestock associations / ranchers, organic growers, food security groups – “Lillooet Food Matters”, First Nations); functions as a “working group”;

ü  Consult with SLRD on agricultural matters;

ü  Working on Lillooet / Area B Agriculture Plan for the Electoral Area; to be completed in 2014; overall strategic plan that brings agriculture and food production together and then has recommendations on how plan will be implemented; RD accessed funding through IAF (contribution of RD “in-kind”); the hope is Ag. Plan will be adopted into the OCP / Official Community Plans for the RD, District of Lillooet, and First Nation communities;

ü  The main goals of the Agriculture Plan are to: (i) Identify opportunities to strengthen farming and agricultural practices; (ii) Establish clear policies to protect and promote agriculture and agricultural land; and (iii) Contribute to local and regional food security and the community’s long-term sustainability.

ü  Economic development in Lillooet – always includes discussion about agriculture           

District of Lakes Country
http://www.okanaganway.ca/municipal/building-development/agriculture/
Madeleine van Roechoudt, Chair (Farmer)
Spoke to Madeleine on July 30, 2013

ü  Lake Country Community Agriculture Plan completed in 2008 (https://lakecountry.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?Id=640 ); viewed as successful but not fully adopted; suggested that plan should be reviewed and updated;

ü  AAC primary provides recommendations to council on proposed changes to the ALR land and /or lands adjacent to ALR land;

ü  AAC advises Council on various issues including: ALC applications; land use application which may affect agriculture and agri-business community; and the impacts long range planning documents may have on agriculture and agri-businesses;

ü  TOR / Terms of Reference recently updated to include advocacy and education function of AAC; this role is often discussed by AAC but implementation is challenging unless funds are allocated;

ü  AAC comprised of 3-4 active farmers, 2 council representatives (liaisons / non voting members) & 3 other community members;  challenging at times recruiting volunteers;

ü  AAC is very valuable; it is the voice at the local government table; need people with agriculture passion to be on AAC;

ü  Agriculture Plan has to be realistic so that is it adopted and implemented.

 
LETTERS  OF  SUPPORT

Kersley Farmers Institute, Paul Zeegers
Ministry of Agriculture – Geneve Jasper
Quesnel Cattlemens – Martin Rossman, Chair
The Elder-witch / All Things Herbal - Janet Knopp  (Area A)
Sisters Creek Simmentals – Lynda Atkinson (Area A)
Kirby Hill Farm – Christine Piltz (Area B)
Charlotte Kurta, 4-H Parent, Area A APC Member

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KERSLEY FI (received via email)

September 3, 2013

Hello Heloise, 

The Kersley Farmers Institute would like to support the establishment of an Agricultural Advisory Committee in the Cariboo Regional District. 

The Kersley Farmers Institute was established in the 1925 and has seen many changes in farming over time. So one can see that farming has deep roots in the Cariboo even before the Kersley Farmers Institute came into being , it goes back to the gold rush days to provide produce for the miners in the area. 

In todays modern world  the farmers in the Cariboo area are faced with many challenges that come their way, but through all of it the persevere and over come these. The farmers in the Cariboo area be it the large cattle ranches or the smaller market gardens, provide hundreds of jobs and local produce to the Cariboo trading area. 

Therefore we the Kersley Farmers Institute would like to support the establishment of an Agriculture Advisory Committee , so we can give the farmers in the area the support and drive to keep produce on the table for all of us in the area. 

Paul ZeegersPresident of the Kersley Farmers Institute
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QUESNEL CATTLEMENS  (received via email)

 

September 1, 2013

Quesnel Cattlemens Association
Quesnel, BC

Heloise Dixon – Warren
Director, Electoral Area B
Cariboo Regional District

On behalf of the Quesnel Cattlemens Association I would like to express interest in establishing  an Agricultural Advisory Committee to the Cariboo Regional District.   I attended the Information Session on April 19  held in Quesnel and from that realized that there is a lack of connectivity between the urban and rural communities. 

Municipal Government and the Agriculture Industry have common concerns. Some of the more important are; water and air quality,food sustainability, (which requires a sustainable agriculture industry) and land use planning.

An Agricultural Advisory Committee, as I see it, would be a forum to open the lines of communication  between urban and rural, to ensure a pertinant exchange of information occurs and that the pros and cons of decisions can be rationalized before that decision is rendered.  

The ranching industry is the largest private land owner in the Cariboo, and it only makes sense that they should be a part of the plannig process.

Sincerely

Martin Rossmann, President
Quesnel Cattlemens Association

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KIRBY HILL FARM (AREA B)

Christine Piltz

5266 Clouston Rd.

10 Mile Lake (Quesnel), B.C.

V2J 6X9

 August 31, 2013 

Re: Agricultural Advisory Committee for the North Cariboo

 

Dear Heloise Dixon-Warren, Area B CRD Representative,

 

Having been in the agriculture industry for 13 years, my husband Ray and I know first hand the value and importance of developing a sustainable agriculture sector in this region.   While today we are not actively practising farming, our land is still in the ALR and will ever remain so for as long as there is someone determined to utilize the land for agriculture purposes.            

It is vitally imperative that local government integrates a strategy for the continued development and support of the agriculture sector.   The foundation of our community depends on it.   Commerce in industry and retail sectors will ebb and flow, but agriculture is the stalwart cornerstone that keeps the community strong.   Without it the community we build will eventually crumble and fall. 

My husband and I are in full support of the establishment of an Agriculture Advisory Committee for the North Cariboo and surrounding area.   Building a relationship with a working committee of agriculture sector representatives, both the CRD and City of Quesnel will realize a great benefit to the economy and receive much needed guidance on policies and strategies for the continued development and prosperity of our region. 

 There are many excellent examples of how urban and rural development have been seamlessly meshed while keeping agriculture woven into the fabric.  The City of Surrey is just one of those communities that has recognized the importance of keeping agriculture in the forefront as one of the key drivers of the local economy.   

It is our request as long time residents of the North Cariboo that the CRD and City of Quesnel seriously consider the establishment of an Agriculture Advisory Committee.

 Sincerely, 

Ray and Christine Piltz

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  SISTERS CREEK SIMMENTALS (Area A)

Sisters Creek Simmentals

“Great mothers raise great calves”

3482 Zschiedrich Road

Kersley, (Quesnel), B.C.  V2J 6M8

 August 20, 2013

Dear Directors:

I am interested in supporting the development of an Agriculture Advisory Council for Quesnel and the regional district.  My husband and I and our family have worked with agriculture in the Cariboo for over 25 years and we have seen a decline in the cattle industry and a general aging of the farmers in the region.  There are small groups working to diversify, however there are some regulations and rules that do hinder that process from time to time.  

It should be a goal of the city and regional district to encourage diversification of agriculture in the area, for the following reasons:

o   Replacing aging farmers

o   Encouraging food security in the area

o   Support for the economy

o   Enhancing the viewscapes and wildlife environments.

No one likes to see a rundown or abandoned farm as we travel through the area, but as you travel down Hgwy 97, there are many small farms that are no longer being taken care of the way we would like to see.  More rules and regulations will not change that, however, better communications and wise application of current regulations can help.  I believe an Agriculture Advisory Council would be a good avenue to start that encouragement of agriculture in the area.

I am hoping that we will see an Agriculture Advisory Council in the near future for Quesnel as well as the North Cariboo.

Yours sincerely

Lynda Atkinson (Area A Resident)

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THE ELDER-WITCH / ALL THINGS HERBAL

Email received September 3, 2013

 

Cariboo Regional District

Board of Directors

This letter is in support of forming Agriculture Advisory Committees for three sub regions of the Cariboo – North Cariboo, Central Cariboo, South Cariboo. 

These AAC’s could provide valuable agriculture awareness on issues to the Cariboo Regional District and the Municipal governments in these areas. 

I attended the meeting at Community Futures on April 19^th as a member of FARMED.  I also farm in the Quesnel area and realize that we need more coordination on food production issues and developing more interest in farming with our young people.  We need more awareness of the importance of agriculture in providing food security for each of our regions.

AAC’s could provide advice to the CRD and Municipal governments on planning issues involving agriculture and land use. 

We need more farmers, more food producers – to replace our aging population of farmers.  And as such we need to provide help and educational workshops for our young farmers.  We need AAC’s to provide linkage between our food producers and our food consumers. 

 Thank you. 

Janet Knopp,
Area A Resident / Farmer

Director of FARMED

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 LETTER RECEIVED FROM MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Received via email August 29, 2013

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LETTER REC'D FROM CHARLOTTE KURTA, Area A Resident

 

Charlotte Kurta

2874 Homestead Road

Quesnel, BC V2J 6P7

September 3, 2013

Dear Northern Directors of the Cariboo Regional District

Re:       Implementation of an Agricultural Advisory Committee

I am writing to you to support the implementation of an Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) in the Cariboo Regional District. I live on rural property within the Agricultural Land Reserve within Area A, and am a parent of a member in the Kersley 4-H Club. I actively volunteer with the Quesnel and District 4-H clubs, and see a need for connecting local government with all levels of our agricultural sector, including youth.

A strong local agriculture and food production sector clearly benefits from youth involvement, and needs to pass on information and knowledge about agricultural and rural lifestyles to our youth. In other regional districts this is one of the roles of an AAC. An AAC could also promote agricultural awareness and knowledge of local producers through 4-H activities within our Region.

I am a member of the CRD Area A Advisory Planning Committee, and am aware of the demands for development on agricultural lands. As a participant on this committee, I would value the input and guidance an AAC could provide for development proposals on agricultural lands. An AAC could provide regional expertise to all APC’s, and thereby ensure consistency with decisions involving agricultural land development.

I strongly encourage our Cariboo Regional District directors to consider implementing an Agricultural Advisory Committee, and thereby give greater emphasis and expertise to agriculture-related issues in our Region.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

 

Charlotte

Charlotte Kurta

Area A APC member

Rural land owner

4-H parent