Farmers on Vancouver Island and around the province are upset with recent changes to legislation that limits the number of homes allowed on agricultural land to one, unless the Agricultural Land Commission grants an exemption.
The Ministry of Agriculture released a fact sheet on June 18 that states there will be more details to come in the next few weeks, but government expects soon to allow a grandfathering period for manufactured homes for immediate family members in order to better balance the protection of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) with the diverse needs of the people who call it home.
RELATED: Island farmers concerned with Agricultural Land Reserve changes
Growing concerns throughout the province from farmers are stemming from the recent passing of Bills 52 and 15. A meeting at Rusted Rake Farm in Nanoose Bay on June 17 saw close to 60 farmers and politicians who were able to share their concerns. The most common concern centred around not being able to build additional dwellings on farmland.
“I’m open to considering whether we need to further change the old government’s rules to better support producers, while ensuring we continue to protect the Agricultural Land Reserve,” said minister of agriculture Lana Popham in an email.