Policy on Breweries, Distilleries Meaderies

Year
2017
Number
B101
Sponsor(s)
Sunshine Coast RD

Whereas an inequity exists between Agricultural Land Commission rules that apply to breweries, distilleries and meaderies under Policy L-21 vs. wineries and cideries under Policy L-03 which impede the economic growth, agricultural production and agri-tourism opportunities in rural communities; And whereas Agricultural Land Commission Policy L-21 requires that at least 50 of products for breweries, distilleries and meaderies be grown on site: Therefore be it resolved that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Land Commission be requested to revise the Agricultural Land Reserve Use, Subdivision and Procedure Regulation to allow breweries, distilleries and meaderies to contract with another BC grower to meet the 50 farm product requirement.

Provincial Response

Ministry of Agriculture The Agricultural Land Reserve Use, Subdivision and Procedure Regulation ALRUSPR has been amended to provide parity for breweries, distilleries and meaderies. Under the ALRUSPR breweries, meaderies and distilleries can now contract with another BC grower to meet the 50 farm product requirement provided the farm on which the brewery, meadery or distillery is located is at least two hectares and producing primary farm product. These amendments to the ALRUSPR address the requests from industry and local governments for equality under the regulations and ensures that farming remain an integral part of the operation on the ALR.

Other Response

Agricultural Land Commission The province has already amended the ALC Regulation 1712002 to provide flexibility for breweries, cideries and distilleries to meet the 50 farm input processing threshold, similar to wineries and cideries as per attached Order in Council 432.

Convention Decision
Endorsed