PALMER: FARMERS GET HELP GROWING PROFITS
Regulations eased: Changes allow farmers to supplement income through processing facilities
When the B.C. Liberals dumped Richard Bullock as chair of the agricultural land commission last month, they were suspected of wanting him out of the way before easing regulations on the use of agricultural land.
Those suspicions were pretty much confirmed recently when the cabinet approved a series of regulatory changes that had been in the works for months.
Though the Liberals didn’t go as far as they’d hinted on every front, there was more than enough change to provoke an outspoken defender of the status quo, as Bullock had proved himself to be since the Liberals embarked on weakening the protection of agricultural land after the last provincial election.
The biggest changes will expand the opportunities for farmers to supplement their incomes by dedicating a portion of their lands for agriculture-related production, broadly defined.
“New government regulations will make it easier for farmers to add or enlarge processing facilities on agricultural land and to establish breweries, distilleries and meaderies under terms similar to wineries,” as Randy Shore reported in The Vancouver Sun last week.
“(Other) changes will allow farmers to process, cook, freeze and pack their crops on land in the agricultural reserve, provided that at least 50 per cent of the farm products are grown on the farm or are supplied by a cooperative of farmers.”
No mention of brew pubs, salad bars, and cocktail lounges. But joking aside, such notions may not be all that far-fetched.
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick also signalled the government might change the liquor laws to allow farm-based lounges and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages not produced on the premises.
The changes for agriculturerelated purposes would apply to both the zones established by the Liberals last year, when they split the reserve into its more productive (Zone 1: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan) and less productive (Zone 2: North, Interior, Kootenays) regions.
In conducting public consultations on the proposed changes last year, the Liberals suggested making it easier to establish nonagricultural related businesses on Zone 2 land as well.
“Some farmers and ranchers have expressed concern about their ability to make a living based solely on their farm income,” said the ministry. “Some supplement their income with other forms of business: accounting services; welding services, or service activities in support of the oil or gas industry, etc. … Expanding the parameters for allowable non-agricultural businesses could help farmers and ranchers increase the income they earn on their land.”
However, those activities were prohibited on farmland unless approved by the agricultural land commission. In its discussion paper, the ministry asked if that requirement should be waived within Zone 2.
On that point, the Liberals went too far.
“A considerable majority of stakeholders from all regions responded that any additional non-agriculture businesses should continue to require an application to the ALC,” according to ministry’s summary of the responses. “This was the question with the strongest and most consistent view between regions and stakeholder groups.”
Consequently, the Liberals backed off giving farmers in Zone 2 a free hand to establish nonagricultural businesses. Instead that option will remain under the purview of the commission.
The Liberals did toss a smaller bone of relief to Zone 2, with a change intended to encourage farmers to mentor the next generation even after they have sold off their land.
“Retiring farmers may continue to live on their family farms of at least five hectares after they have sold it, by leasing back the farmhouse,” as Shore reported in The Sun. “The lease terminates when the retiring farmer leaves or dies.”
On the same day as the regulatory easing was announced, a public advocacy group launched a campaign to reinstate Bullock to fill out his term, which would have expired in November.
“It is our understanding that Mr. Bullock’s appointment as chair was terminated without cause,” wrote representatives of West Coast Environmental Law in an open letter to Premier Christy Clark and Minister Letnick.
“If that is the case, then we respectfully submit that the government did not have the legal authority to pass the termination order and ask that he be reinstated for the duration of his term. Alternatively, if you believe us to be wrong in our facts or analysis, we respectfully ask that you clarify the basis for your authority to terminate Mr. Bullock’s appointment.”
The public was invited to support the call via an online petition posted at wcel.org, the group’s website.
When I asked a ministry representative if Letnick would be responding to either the letter or the petition, he came back with a defence of the decision to replace Bullock with Frank Leonard, the former mayor of Saanich.
“Frank Leonard brings new ideas and extensive experience in both business and in government to the ALC,” said Letnick. “His appointment is not being reconsidered. I have full confidence in the leadership and staff in the ALC that they will continue to work hard to protect farmland and encourage farming in British Columbia.”
Not likely will the critics get any more than that. Having split the reserve, dumped the chair and eased the regulations, the Liberals aren’t inclined to back off at this point.