More than half the farms in Metro Vancouver can be found in the Township of Langley, a community well known for its rural way of life.
But the community is growing and changing, and so, too, is the farming industry.
So what is the future of farming in the Township, and how can we better help those who produce our food in these changing times?
Members of the public interested in discussing these topics can attend an open house-style focus group being held on April 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The session is for all residents, with a focus on urban residents and non-farmers who live in rural areas. It is part of a series that will also invite farmers and industry representatives to explore issues identified in a new Agricultural Viability Strategy (AVS).
The AVS is being created by the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC), which liaises between the agricultural community and Township council regarding rural issues. The strategy is meant to enhance and sustain farming by addressing the potential for food production, competition for agricultural land, diversification, economic challenges, urbanization, and the environment.
“The Township is unique and a major player in agriculture,” said AAC chairman Ted Bowman.
“But in my experience, when we hold events like the Feast of Fields harvest festival, which brings local producers together with consumers, it is a big awakening for people. They suddenly see they are not really connected with the food they are eating. It is something that should be important to all the people who live here: where is this food going to come from if we don’t respect our agricultural land?”
A consultant is helping to prepare the Agricultural Viability Strategy, which is being done in three stages. An agricultural profile was completed last year, and a phone survey is being conducted along with the focus group sessions. Issues identified will be compiled and a strategy providing broad policy directions for the future of farming in the Township will be prepared and presented to council.
Agriculture in this community generates $257 million per year.
The Township became the first site of organized farming on the west coast when the Hudson’s Bay Company established a base in Fort Langley in the 1800s. Since then, huge changes have seen traditional farming give way to new technology and scientifically based growing methods. The Township has the advantage of being home to the largest Agricultural Land Reserve in Metro Vancouver.
The April 14 session is an opportunity for all residents to talk about the long-term viability of the Township’s agri-food industry, gain a better understanding about farming opportunities, constraints, and issues, and discuss better ways to support and encourage farming. It is an opportunity for all residents to talk about the long-term viability of the Township’s agri-food industry, gain a better understanding about farming opportunities, constraints, and issues, and discuss better ways to support and encourage farming.
To take part in the April 14 session, call the Township’s community development division at 604-533-6154 by April 6.