Joe Sardinha


ready-to-use model that would restrict the building of large residences in the centre of ALR lots. However, it’s intended as a guideline for civic government, rather than being part of the legislation. While there are no specifics yet, the ALC is expected to become more self- sufficient, with a provision for collecting fees.


McRae said by improving the structure and sustainability of the ALC, the government is improving the lives of 20,000 farming families and the province’s $9.6 billion agri- food sector.


B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association president Joe Sardinha admitted the changes likely will reduce pressure on the land with less encouragement for repeat approaches to local councils for exclusions from the ALR. That could help reduce speculation in land, which drives up the price and makes it more difficult for farmers to purchase farms, he added. However, he said inflated land prices are still a huge obstacle for succession, even in families. “It’s very difficult for young farmers to get into farming and land values are at the heart of the problem.”


Sardinha is still concerned that support for the ALR doesn’t translate into support for farmers.


“It’s totally unfair. If you support the ALR, you have to support farmers. If you want to protect agricultural land, you have to support agriculture, or else the speculators will buy it.”


In B.C., the agriculture budget keeps getting cut instead of catching up with those in other provinces, he added.


British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Winter 2011-12 11


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