Whereas the Classification of Land as a Farm Regulation establishes minimum gross income requirements for farm operations to be classified as Farm under the Assessment Act, that were last increased in 1993; And whereas farm property tax reform that confers tax benefits to farm operations would help to encourage farming and support local food security: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of BC to amend the Classification of Land as a Farm Regulation to increase the income thresholds to achieve Farm classification, to a single minimum gross farm income of 7,000; And be it further resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of BC to review the income thresholds at least every five years.
Ministry of Finance Property owners must meet income thresholds from the sale of designated agriculture products to qualify for farm classification on their land. The threshold is 10,000 for properties of less than two acres, and a 2,500 minimum for properties of two acres or more. The Province reviewed income thresholds in 2009 and made changes, establishing rules for split classifying properties and expanding the list of qualifying uses for farm classification. The Ministry of Finance confers regularly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to consider farm assessments and taxation. No change to the income thresholds is anticipated at this time. In February 2025, the Province established the Premiers taskforce on agriculture and the food economy to provide advice on how to protect our food sources and the agricultural sector, particularly in the face of unfair and damaging tariffs. Task force recommendations will be informed through consultation with the farming sector, food processors and distributors, retailers, local governments, and consumers. The task force will also be informed by reviewing the current farm tax policies, such as the income threshold and their potential for ensuring reliable access to healthy and affordable food for all BC residents.