The Government of British Columbia is asking farmers, food processors, local governments and residents to provide feedback on proposed changes that could expand food-processing opportunities within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
The proposal is designed to strengthen food security, attract investment and support the province’s agricultural economy while continuing to protect valuable farmland. Provincial officials say improving local food processing capacity can help create a stronger and more resilient food system, especially during periods of supply chain disruptions and market uncertainty.
Under the proposed rules, food-processing facilities could be developed on ALR land that is considered less suitable for farming. This includes Class 5-7 soils and, in certain situations, Class 4 soils that already have access to essential services such as roads, water and electricity. To qualify, processors would need to ensure that at least 5% of the primary agricultural products used in processing are grown or raised in British Columbia.
The province believes the changes could create new opportunities for farmers by expanding markets for locally produced crops and agricultural products. Increased processing capacity may also encourage additional investment in rural communities and help strengthen connections between food production and food manufacturing.
Developers interested in building processing facilities would be required to obtain a soil assessment from a registered professional agrologist. They would also need to meet local government regulations and secure any necessary provincial approvals before proceeding with development.
Current rules allowing food processing in the ALR when at least 50% of ingredients come from the farm or affiliated farms will remain unchanged for lands not covered by the new proposal. This approach aims to balance economic growth with the protection of productive agricultural land.
Food processing remains a key part of British Columbia’s economy, generating approximately $14.3 billion in 2024 and supporting more than 37,000 jobs across the province. The government is accepting public feedback on the proposal until September 3, 2026, before making any final decisions.
Small farmers may have important thoughts on this issue, both as a party who wants to build a small food processing facility, as well as those who might be opposed to it because it uses farm lands.