Agricultural community your input is needed
Take the survey by December 15th and coffee is on us!
The District of Lake Country has contracted Upland Agricultural Consulting to update the 2008 Community Agriculture Plan for Lake Country. The community is quickly evolving, and it is critical that agriculture continues to be an integral part of the community. The Community Development team wants to ensure that the plan reflects the input of the agricultural community as it will be a tool for Council to set priorities and make decisions.
If you are involved in active farming, own land, and/or reside on property zoned A1/A1ta (Agriculture) in the District of Lake Country, it is vital that we get your feedback
2019 Agriculture Survey Letter
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 Okanagn, agriculture is a $450-million industry and contributes thousands of jobs ot 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.
The agriculture industry within Lake Country is seen to be an asset to the quality of life for all residents within the community. To help ensure that agriculture remains a profitable, vibrant and diverse part of the community, the Lake Country Community Agriculture Plan was completed in 2008 and will be updated in 2019-2020.
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
Key references for safe, sustainable and competitive production for crops in BC - Online berry and vegetable crop production guides
Efficiently manage agricutlural wastes and pesticides
