The Province is seeking feedback on a proposal that could expand food processing activity within British Columbia’s Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has released a discussion paper proposing a new “5% rule” that would allow certain food processing facilities to be developed on lower-capability ALR lands without Agricultural Land Commission approval, provided at least five percent of the product being processed is grown or raised in B.C.
The engagement is of interest to local governments given potential implications for land use planning, infrastructure and servicing, agricultural protection, and local economic development.
Local governments, First Nations, farmers, food processors, and other stakeholders have been invited to provide feedback until September 3, 2026, which can be submitted directly to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.