Agricultural property owners wanting to request an early seasonal irrigation connection turn on/off are welcome to use the online form on the Utilities page of this website.
Council adopted the 2020 Agriculture Plan on September 15, 2020. The 2020 plan replaces the plan from 2008. The community is quickly evolving, and it is critical that agriculture continues to be an integral part of the community. The Community Development team ensured that the plan reflected the input of the agricultural community as the document will be a tool for Council to set priorities and make decisions moving forward. Read more about the process undertaken to develop the plan.
In an effort to keep the public and business community informed on the economy of the region, The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Economic Development Commission (COEDC) – the region’s primary business resource – commissioned an Agriculture Asset Inventory and Agriculture Sector Report.
The Agriculture Asset Inventory provides a comprehensive list of resources available in the region to support the agriculture sector and includes detailed information such as: research infrastructure, funding supports, key individuals (research and expertise), available resources, and support organizations including accelerators/incubators. Find other supports for the agriculture industry provided by COEDC at Agriculture Tourism in the Okanagan | Invest Kelowna.
Background information on the agriculture industry
Beef cattle, poultry and specialty livestock are raised in the area. Dairy producers including artisanal cheese manufacturers are active as well. In the Thompson Okanagan, agriculture is a $450-million industry and contributes thousands of jobs to the local economy. Lake Country has a strong agricultural base more than a century old. The Okanagan's uniquely warm and dry climate is ideal for growing tree fruit such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries and grapes. The region is known internationally as Canada's wine country, with 84% of BC's wine producers located in the Okanagan. Dozens of award-winning wines including BC's prized ice wines are produced locally.
In addition, to help support the agricultural industry, the District has formed the Agricultural Advisory Committee, which advises Council on various issues including:
- Agricultural Land Commission applications;
- Land use applications which may affect agriculture and the agri-business community; and
- The impacts long range planning documents may have on agriculture and agri-businesses.
Resources
Farm Practices in BC Reference Guide
Key references for safe, sustainable and competitive production for crops in BC - Online berry and vegetable crop production guides
Efficiently manage agricultural wastes and pesticides
