Whereas the Agricultural Land Commission ALC plays a critical role in preserving British Columbias agricultural land base and supporting the long-term viability of farming and food security across the province; And whereas the ALC has recently been required to lay off staff to remain within its budget, demonstrating a level of provincial underfunding that undermines its mandate and signals a lack of adequate provincial commitment to farmers and the agricultural sector: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to immediately provide adequate, stable, and ongoing funding to the Agricultural Land Commission to ensure it can fulfill its legislated mandate without reductions in staffing or service levels; And be it further resolved that UBCM urge the Province to recognize and address the serious impacts of ALC underfunding on farmers, agricultural land protection, and local food systems, and to demonstrate a renewed commitment to supporting agriculture as a vital component of British Columbias economy and communities.
