32 CHANGE


adds: people are typically concerned before change happens, but then realize the impacts are not as bad as expected. Kim Grout, CEO of the land commission, says that just eight applications for events or agri-tourism were submitted and reviewed under the new regulations between 2016 and October 2017. Three were in the South Coast region, one from Vancouver Island, two in the Okanagan and two in the Kootenay region. There were no applications from the Northern or Interior regions. All the applications were approved, except one in the South Coast.


More clarity Gary Moran, operator of


Fantasy Farms near Chilliwack, doesn’t disagree with having regulations, but he wishes they were clearer. The farm typically hosts


nfrom page 31


several events a year. While he meets the rules requiring less than 10 weddings a year, there are grey areas around the use of farm buildings versus non-permanent structures, like tents, which the new rules permit. During the off-season, greenhouse space at his farm is transformed into a wedding reception area. “Instead of saying you can’t


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use any existing building, they should have said that you can use your buildings as long as they meet certain requirements,” explains Moran, adding, “I don’t mean permanent building changes, but for temporary use.” He says Fantasy Farms must meet city bylaws and pay an event fee. Chilliwack planning staff advised him to get his buildings reclassified as a non-farm use. He says that doesn’t make sense because even though they can be made to look nice, they’re still working, functioning greenhouses. He’s asked the ALC to clarify that the farm is still engaged in agriculture. Andrea McFadden, who with her husband David own Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm in Kelowna, weren’t impacted by the new regulations. The farm distills lavender oil from its plants and hosts the permitted number of special events. However, complying with the various regulations from different government bodies is challenging, McFadden says. Agri-tourism rules are just one set of regulations farms are subject to. Rules also regulate on-farm processing, food safety and what farm stands can sell. McFadden points to mandatory HACCP (Hazard


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Gene Covert of Oliver says changes to agri-tourism regulations could create issues for his business in the future, which has welcomed visitors for 20 years. COVERT FARM PHOTO


Assessment Critical Control Point) training, a good thing in itself that creates additional work for the business. “That was a big


undertaking for us and we adapted but it was a challenge,” she explains. The farm shop no longer sells candles because BC Assessment limits non-farm products to 10% of sales. Since the farm doesn’t produce wax, just the oil that scents the candles, they’re not considered a farm product. “With the record-keeping


we have to do now, it made me think that this is really unfortunate. It’s going to eliminate a lot of people because you can’t be a farm operator and do all these things they are asking you to do,” McFadden says. The new rules don't apply to wineries, meaderies and cideries, which are subject to liquor licensing regulations.


Wineries exempt


Gene Covert is the winemaker and owner of Covert Farms on McIntyre Bluff above Oliver. The farm grows organic fruit and vegetables and is active in agri-tourism. Covert has invited people onto the property for about 20 years. He estimates that 5% to 10% of farm revenue now comes from agri-tourism activities. Covert says the regulations


didn’t impact him because he isn’t doing many big events. But he hopes the commission


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will look at any future events he decides to host on a case- by-case basis. “It could impact us in the


future,” he says. Moran thinks that the NDP understands that agriculture and agri-tourism come in all different shapes and sizes, especially smaller operations, which he classifies as those farming less than 20 acres. When asked about the


regulations and future plans, the BC Ministry of Agriculture indicated there were no immediate plans to make further changes to the regulations. “[We] will, as time moves


along, collect feedback from farmers and industry organizations to hear about their experiences with the new regulations, and based on those discussions consider reviewing the regulation for improvements,” the ministry told Country Life in BC.


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