Comox Valley Regional District

Comox Valley Agricultural Plan

The Comox Valley Agricultural Plan (CVAP) has been helping inform the Comox Valley Regional District and stakeholders on agriculture since 2001. Over the last 20 years many of the CVAP recommendations were implemented or advanced. However, several recommendations have become out-dated. CVRD has begun a process to update and modernize the CVAP.

Why is the CVAP being updated?

It has been over 20 years since the region led the development of one of the first innovative agricultural plans in the province, the Comox Valley Agricultural Plan, adopted in 2002. With the availability of funding in 2021 through the Investment Agriculture Fund, the CVRD decided that it was time to update and modernize the plan so that it reflects the current needs of the agriculture and food sector and current regulations.

What is the purpose of the CVAP?

The CVAP is a comprehensive agricultural planning document that focuses on the CVRD's jurisdiction and provides guidance in identifying opportunities to strengthen the regional agricultural sector and contribute to its long-term sustainability.

Why is the CVAP important to me?

This new, second generation CVAP is intended to build upon the old plan and to inform, guide and provide a framework for regional planning, decision-making and the CVRD’s administration of agricultural issues including regionally appropriate recommended actions that anticipate future changes and challenges the CVRD and partner agencies to pursue into the future. Through a new CVAP, it is the hope and intention that long-term resiliency and sustainability of the regional agricultural and food sector and the greater food system is strengthened allowing it to grow, flourish and prosper into the future.

Which CVRD service is conducting the update?

The CVAP update is being done by CVRD's Long Range Policy and Planning service, function 503, which is funded by the rural electoral areas. Upland Consulting of Sechelt was engaged in the spring of 2022 to help lead the agriculture planning process and to ultimately write the new plan. CVRD staff work closely with the consultant.

What has been done so far?

Phase 1:

The 2002 Agriculture Plan has been evaluated, including its implementation to date.
A Comox Valley Regional District Agricultural Plan Update Background Report was created to establish the context in which agriculture exists in the Comox Valley, including changes over time as reflected by census data.
An Advisory Committee, comprised of 11 community members, was established to provide feedback and engage in outreach and promotion of the process.
One on one interviews have been conducted with over 30 agriculture stakeholders.
A Draft Interim Report was completed which compiles the work completed to date and outlines key themes emerging from Phase 1.

Phase 2:

Focus group meetings and community workshops with the agriculture community were held on the key themes of land use planning, emergency planning, water and business vitality.
A Final Interim Report was completed that brings together all of the research, engagement and analysis work done to date and provides direction for the drafting of the new and updated Comox Valley Agricultural Plan

Land Use Planning and Agriculture: explore how existing CVRD planning tools reflect agricultural priorities and discuss how they can be used to benefit the agriculture sector. Presentation

Emergency Planning and Agriculture: explore the role of the CVRD, member municipalities, and other partners in supporting emergency preparedness and response for agriculture. Presentation

Agricultural Priorities and Water: explore the role of the CVRD in watershed stewardship and participate in a review of the priorities identified in the Tsolum River Agricultural Watershed Plan to highlight opportunities for the Agricultural Plan. Presentation

Business Viability and the Agri-Food Sector: discuss elements of success for healthy agricultural businesses. Explore existing resources and help identify gaps that may exist. Presentation

Factsheet - 10 Areas of Influence of Local Governments in Agriculture Planning

Next Steps

We are in the process of drafting the new plan. Please check back for more information in June 2024.

The Comox Valley’s original agricultural plan was drafted in 2000 and adopted in 2001. Its stated vision was that “Agriculture in the Comox Valley will be a growing sector of the local economy, with a mix of small, medium and large scale enterprises, focused on regional and local markets. The Valley’s farms will provide a diversity of quality agricultural products. Farmers will be recognized for their wise stewardship of land and water resources and the Valley’s agricultural industry will be recognized for the important role it plays in the community.” To that end and with the intended purpose of “furthering the development of socially, culturally, environmentally and economically sustainable farming”, the plan recommended various actions that could be taken under six major theme areas:
- Water Management
- Land Management
- Agricultural / Environmental Stewardship
- Agricultural Opportunities
- Food Security, Market Development, Safety, Quality and Security
- Agricultural Awareness
Comox Valley Agricultural Plan (2002) Background Report (2002) Issues and Opportunities (2002)

This project is funded in part by the Local Government Partnership Program, with funding provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Government of British Columbia through programs delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.

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Comox Valley Agricultural Plan

Comox Valley Agricultural Plan

What has been done so far?

Next Steps

This project is funded in part by the Local Government Partnership Program, with funding provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Government of British Columbia through programs delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.