Agricultural land and environment

Protecting soil, water, air and biodiversity is essential for the agricultural sector. Government provides tools and information to help farmers and grower ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly use of these resources.

Agroforestry

Agroforestry is a land management approach that purposefully integrates the growing of trees with crops or livestock.

Agricultural Land Commission 

The provincial Agricultural Land Commission is an independent administrative tribunal dedicated to preserving agricultural land and encouraging farming in British Columbia. Learn more about the Agricultural Land Commission.

Air management

Air management, along with effective nutrient, waste and manure management contribute greatly to improving air quality and preserving our environment. British Columbia is proud to be a leader in sustainable environmental management, with air and water quality that ranks among the highest in the world. 

Biodiversity

Biologically diverse ecosystems provide a number of critically important goods and services that benefit humans. While conserving and enhancing biodiversity may come at a cost to producers, there are immeasurable benefits to farmers and ranchers.

Climate action

Government is taking action to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in each of the province’s major economic sectors, including agriculture. View what agricultural producers can do to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Land use

Planning

Tools and techniques are available to support agricultural land use planning in communities. 

Inventories

Land use inventories collect consistent, credible, and comprehensive data about land use and land cover on agricultural land in B.C. Learn more about agricultural land use inventories.

Regions

Each agricultural region in B.C. has its own character and growing conditions, and is known for producing a range of crops, livestock, and processed food products. Find information and resources specific to each region.

Soil and nutrients

Soil is one of British Columbia's most important resources. It:

• Supports the growth of fibre and food
• Acts as a filter for air and water
• Affects global climate through gas exchange and storage
• Contains a diverse array of organisms
• Supports natural ecosystems and wildlife habitat

Nutrient management is about supplying crops with the appropriate amount, form, placement, and timing of nutrients (whether as manure, commercial fertilizer, or other nutrient sources) to optimize crop growth and minimize environmental risks. 

Learn more about:

• Soil
• Manure spreading advisories
• Nutrient management

Strengthening Farming program

The Strengthening Farming program promotes strong working relationships between local and provincial governments and the farming community. The program supports fair resolution of land use conflicts and effective community planning for a sustainable agriculture and aquaculture industry in British Columbia. Learn about:

• Farm practices protection
• Planning for agriculture

Waste management

Effective agricultural waste management procedures and solutions contribute a great deal to preserving our environment.  Maintaining responsible and efficient agricultural waste management practices is important for farmers and citizens of British Columbia. 

Water and riparian areas

About 97% of water licensed in British Columbia is for power production. The remaining 3% of water licensed is for consumptive uses such as industrial, commercial, drinking water or agriculture.

• Water
• Riparian areas