Farming in BC
In BC, communities face many challenges to conserving farmland and developing a local, sustainable food supply:
- Ongoing development pressures threaten farmland
- Average age of BC farmers is 57 years
- Knowledge about farming is disappearing
- Low incomes, long hours, and high risks discourage new farmers
- Demand for local, organically-grown food is up, and exceeds supply
- High cost of farmland
Community farms are part of the solution. They can help address some of the challenges faced by farmers and communities because they:
- Support local food systems by supplying locally grown food
- Protect farmland for long-term food production through land trusts, covenants, and other means
- Give new farmers access to affordable land through long-term leases
- Provide supportive and flexible labour pools
Community Farms Program
The Community Farms Program supports people involved in farmland conservation and community farming by providing information, resources, and assistance.
The Community Farms Program is a multi-phase initiative. Phases 1 and 2 develop and test program models and resources. In Phase 3, we'll establish a business model for ongoing program sustainability.
To find out how you can participate, read more at People and Community Farming.
Last Modified: August 25, 2015