Agricultural Plan
In 2011, the ACRD Board of Directors adopted the Alberni Valley Agricultural Plan which sets forth a vision for development of the resources required for the community to produce 40% of the food consumed locally within 20 years. Planning staff, and the consultants hired to formulate the Plan, developed 12 primary goals to achieve this vision with feedback and guidance from the ACRD Agricultural Advisory Committee, various agriculture, government and First Nations stakeholders as well as extensive public consultation. Each of the primary goals includes individual action items which will contribute to achievement of the overall objectives of the Plan.
In 2014, the ACRD contracted a team of Agricultural Support Workers to assist with implementation of the Plan. Under the guidance of the newly established Agricultural Development Committee and the diverse community they represent, the Agricultural Plan Implementation Project has resulted in a stronger and more vibrant farming community, a number of local informational databases and documents, an increased public presence for agriculture, and new micro-projects and funding resources.
Recent local publications include:
2017
- Waterwise Landscaping: Practices to reduce water usage
- Rainwater Harvesting: Tips for collection and storage of rainwater
- Farm-Scale Rainwater Harvesting & Storage: Techniques to create a more resilient farm water system
- West Coast Grower's Guide 2017: Local food map including producers, community gardens, commercial kitchens, markets, and more
- Alberni Valley Designation: A background report for the ACRD's request for Regional Designation under the Meat Inspection Regulations
- Grow Local Program Survey Results: A summary of responses to a community survey of food production and gardening knowledge
- Grow Local Program: 2017 Calendar of Events
- Alberni Armyworm Report: Summary of the 2017 infestation, includes Ministry infosheets
- Agricultural Plan Implementation Project: Final report, phase 3, February 2017
- ACRD Water for Growth: Final Report October 2017
2016
- Abattoir Feasibility Study: April 2016
- Alberni Abattoir Town Hall: Event summary
- Progress Review, Alberni Agricultural Plan: August 2016
- Brand Use Agreement: What's On Your Fork?
- Support for Marine Culture in ACRD: Opportunities and challenges for coastal aquaculture
- Land Access for Farmers: Community networking event summary
- Project brochure, Phase 3
- Agricultural Plan Implementation Project: Final Report, phase 2, March 2016
2015
- West Coast Grower's Guide 2015
- Buy-Local Proposal: A branding concept for the Alberni Valley and West Coast
- Farmer Meet Up Event 2015: A summary of community discussion about marketing to local restaurants, regional branding, agricultural cooperatives, and land linking/leasing
- Farmer's Market Research: A summary of results from an ACRD Rapid Market Assessment
- Public & Farmers Market Concept Small Producers Guide: Selling to Restaurants, Retailers, and Distributors
- Grant Opportunities: Agriculture and Food Security in the ACRD
- Project Brochure, Phase 2
- Moving Agriculture Forward in the ACRD: Final report, phase 1, May 2015
2014
2011
- Discussion Paper: Planning for a strong agricultural community
- Alberni Valley Agricultural Plan: 2011-2031
Acknowledgements
The Alberni Valley Agricultural Plan was funded in part by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC through programs it delivers on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture. For more information on agriculture in the ACRD contact Alex Dyer, Planner at 250-720-2700 or adyer@acrd.bc.ca.