Comox Valley Agricultural Plan

Many of the original (2002) CVAP recommendations were implemented or advanced. However, several recommendations had become outdated and the CVRD decided to take advantage of available funding in 2021 to update the CVAP at that time.

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.

The new, second generation CVAP built upon the old plan. Its goals are to inform,  guide and provide a framework for regional planning, decision-making and the CVRD’s administration of agricultural issues. The CVAP includes regionally appropriate recommended actions that anticipate future changes and challenges. It provides a long-term plan for the CVRD and partner agencies to pursue into the future. The hope and intention is for the resiliency and sustainability of the regional agricultural and food sector, as well as strengthening of food systems and sovereignty in the region.

Phase 1:

• The 2002 Agriculture Plan was 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 were conducted with over 30 participants from the agricultural sector.
• A Draft Interim Report was completed which outlined 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 brought together all of the research, engagement and analysis work done to date and provided direction for the drafting of the new and updated Comox Valley Agricultural Plan.

Phase 3:

• The Draft Plan was approved by the Electoral Areas Services Committee in June 2024 and went out for public feedback until September 2024.
• The What We Heard: Engagement Summary Report was created to provide the details of all engagement activities and feedback received during the development of the Comox Valley Agricultural Plan from November 2022 to October 2024.

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

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)

• Comox Valley Food Hub Feasibility Study, 2021
• Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy, Bylaw No. 120 - 2010
• Rural Comox Valley Official Community Plan No. 337, 2014
• Rural Comox Valley Zoning Bylaw 520, 2019
• Comox Valley Sustainability Strategy, 2010
• CVRD Rural Areas Community Climate Action Plan, 2015
• Tsolum River Agricultural Watershed Plan Phase One report, 2019
• Tsolum River Agricultural Watershed Plan Phase Two report, May 2021