The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has hired a new Agricultural Planning Coordinator, marking a significant step toward implementing the updated Comox Valley Agricultural Plan (CVAP).
The updated CVAP, first developed more than 20 years ago, reflects input from farmers, producers, processors, agricultural organizations, and partners from across the region. The CVAP identifies priorities in areas such as water management, land protection, climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, and the local agri-food economy. It provides a community-informed plan for supporting the long-term viability of agriculture in the Comox Valley.
While full implementation of the plan will occur over time as resources and partnerships allow, the hiring of the Agricultural Planning Coordinator represents a tangible first milestone in moving from planning to action. This position provides dedicated capacity to coordinate efforts, engage directly with the agricultural community, and support early priorities within the CVRD’s current rural mandate.
“The updated plan gives us clear direction informed by the agricultural community,” said Director Edwin Grieve, Chair of the Electoral Area Services Committee. “Producers and processors shared what they are facing on the ground, and this role helps us begin working with the sector on the priorities they identified.”
The Agricultural Planning Coordinator will provide a conduit and liaison with the agriculture community to support information sharing and communication between the sector and the CVRD. Initial work will focus on outreach during the period when producers are more available for engagement, as well as identifying practical steps in priority areas such as water storage and emergency preparedness.
“The Agricultural Plan provides a clear plan for collaboration and action,” said Lisa Kilpatrick, Community Development and Resilience Manager, CVRD. “With the new coordinator and plan in place, we can begin strengthening relationships with producers and partners and identify ways to work together to improve local agricultural capacity.
The CVAP identifies five core goals to guide future work:
- Steward water resources to meet agricultural needs.
- Maintain agricultural land protection and support for producers.
- Grow and strengthen the regional agri-food economy.
- Collaborate on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and emergency preparedness.
- Increase awareness and appreciation of local agriculture.
The full Agricultural Plan is available at:
• Agricultural Plan webpage: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/agplan
• CVAP final document
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
- 30 -
Media Contact:
Lisa Kilpatrick
Community Development and Resilience Manager
Email: lkilpatrick@comoxvalleyrd.ca
Phone: 250-334-6093
Mobile: 250-352-2898