Agri-tourism MATTERS for both farmers and the public.

The current framework in place with the Agricultural Land Commission already contains significant restrictions and limitations around non-farm activity to protect agricultural land from misuse, speculative development, and large-scale commercialization. However, these proposed changes only make the current, already tight, restrictions in place, even tighter, making agritourism even harder. There does not seem to be a benefit to the farm itself, but rather this bill is once again making farm life harder, not easier. 

It Strengthens Our Local Economies.

The benefits extend well beyond the farm gate. Visitors to agritourism destinations often spend  money in local communities as they seek accommodations (especially those more luxurious than the ones typically offered on farms like hotels), they eat out frequently which supports local restaurants, they shop within the community their visiting, etc. The capital they spend in communities surrounding their local farm visits injects funds to the entire area, not just the farm itself. 

It Connects People to Their Food.

Farm-based experiences not only help farmers diversify income and preserve their livelihoods but also strengthen local communities through economic and cultural engagement. Farmers gain income and new opportunities to engage the public’s interest in how a farm works and what they may learn about different farming practices. The visitors develop agricultural knowledge along with a deeper connection to their food system. In an era of increasing disconnection from food production, this is genuinely valuable.

It Keeps Young People in Rural Communities.

The growth of agritourism encourages young people to stay or return to rural areas, as it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural work, providing a way to preserve local culture while supporting economic growth. Depopulation from rural communities is one of the biggest threats to BC's agricultural future, and agritourism directly counters that trend.

It's a Financial Lifeline for Small Farms.

For many small-scale farmers, agritourism provides an additional income source to help maintain their operations and improve their livelihoods. By opening their farms to visitors, farmers can diversify their earnings, reducing their dependence on traditional agricultural markets and weather-related risks. This is critical, farming income alone is notoriously volatile, and a single bad harvest can be financially devastating.

One Rule Does Not Fit All Farms.

Agriculture in British Columbia is incredibly diverse and a one-size-fits-all approach can create unintended consequences. Farms differ dramatically depending on region, topography soil conditions, water access, acreage and agricultural focus. A flower farm is vastly different than an equine operation, which is in turn different from an orchard or cattle farm. A mixed-use family farm may operate very differently while still contributing meaningfully to agriculture and local food systems.

Some farms rely on diversified agriculture-connected activities such as workshops farm experiences, direct sales, agritourism, and limited seasonal gatherings to help support fencing, irrigation, livestock care, infrastructure, equipment, and continued agricultural development. In most cases these activities do not replace agriculture, but they vital in helping make farming financially sustainable enough to continue operating and investing in the land.

It’s Not About Luxury, It’s About a Rural Experience.

The agritourism features offered on farms aren't luxury accommodations, they're simple campsites, tents, and are already restricted to non-permanent structures. Not only do these options not damage any farm land, this diversification takes up very little land that is typically topographically unsuitable for any kind of farming activities. For small farms, agritourism provides an important opportunity to remain economically viable while strengthening the connection between consumers and the agricultural community. Restricting these operations so severely risks undermining exactly the type of innovation and diversification many small farms now depend on to survive.

Current Restrictions Are Already Tight.

The tight restriction of 10 units makes agritourism abilities extremely limited, reducing to 3 units would have an even further damaging impact on an already small agritourism aspect. It will not force more ‘use of land’ for farming use, as small farmers HAVE to supplement with other business revenue streams due to rising costs of everything.  

We respectfully urge you to reconsider this aspect of Bill M 246 and to engage directly with local farmers and agritourism operators before moving forward. Effective agricultural policy should be shaped with input from the people working on the land every day.

Thank you.