The District of North Saanich has a cool Mediterranean climate suitable for growing a wide range of crops. The diverse rural atmosphere includes small horse farms to large dairy farms totaling 78 farms in 2006 according to Statistics Canada. Other popular produce include alfalfa, hay, rye, apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, beets, celery, lettuces, flowers, nursery products, chicken and lamb. 1381 ha of North Saanich’s total area of 4691 ha is in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Several government and non-government organizations are working on agricultural issues, including the Peninsula Agricultural Commission, the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable and the North Saanich Food for the Future Society. Local agri-business generated an estimated 5114 weeks of paid labour in 2005 and supported a farm population of 234.

The Whole Community Agricultural Strategy identifies marketing, labour shortages, farm worker housing, processing services, training and information, water supply, support agencies and environmental issues as problematic areas important to the sustainability of agriculture. In response, the District has eased restrictions on agricultural signs and farm gate stands and organizes the popular Flavour Trail event every summer to help publicize North Saanich agriculture. As well, initiatives for an agricultural economic strategy and the Sandown Racetrack are in the works.


Next Steps

The results of the Agricultural Study Survey have been completed and compiled. A Land Use Inventory for North Saanich was completed by the province in 2009. An Agriculture Area Plan was completed in 2010, and the Whole Community Agricultural Strategy was completed in 2011. The last two documents identified several challenges facing agriculture in North Saanich. One of the priority challenges pertained to the economic viability of agriculture. It was noted that agricultural economic viability and profits have declined in the recent past. Factors affecting farm and producer’s profit include high land values, labour availability, aging farm population, no extension support, reduction in agricultural research, climate change and water supply.

North Saanich is currently addressing the economic viability challenge by commissioning a consultant to develop an agricultural economic development strategy. The consultant has reviewed background studies such as the above mentioned, and is conducting key stakeholder interviews. The short term deliverables include an assessment of the current economics, the drafting of an agricultural economic development strategy, and the identification of four agricultural development projects. The long term deliverables are increased agricultural profit and productivity, increased number of start-ups, and strengthening partnerships and synergises. It is anticipated that the agricultural economic development strategy will be completed by late spring /early summer 2012.