Chamber Seeks South Okanagan Perspectives on Proposed ALR Changes

The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce is participating in an ALR Consultation Committee through the BC Chamber of Commerce, providing an opportunity to bring local agricultural perspectives into provincial discussions.

The Province of British Columbia is currently consulting with the agricultural and food-processing sector, local governments and First Nations on proposed changes intended to expand food-processing opportunities within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).

What Is Being Proposed?

Under the existing regulation, food processing may take place in the ALR without Agricultural Land Commission approval when at least 50% of the ingredients come from the farm where the processing occurs or from other farms belonging to the same industry association.

The Province is proposing an additional pathway that would apply to certain lower-capability agricultural soils.

Under the proposal, food-processing facilities could be developed on Class 5–7 ALR soils—and certain serviced Class 4 parcels—provided that at least 5% of the primary product being processed is grown or raised in British Columbia.

The existing 50% rule would remain in place on other ALR land.

Qualifying projects would also require:

• An assessment by a registered professional agrologist confirming the soil classification;

• Support and applicable permits from the local government;

• Required environmental and provincial approvals; and

• Access to necessary infrastructure and services.

The Province has stated that the proposed changes are intended to strengthen food security, attract investment and create new markets for B.C. farmers while protecting prime agricultural land.

What Could This Mean for the South Okanagan?

At this stage, the potential effect on South Okanagan businesses is not clear.

The proposed pathway would only apply to specific soil classifications, and agricultural capability can vary considerably between individual parcels. We do not yet know how much local ALR land would meet the proposed criteria or whether the new pathway would address the challenges facing agricultural and food-processing businesses in our region.

That is why hearing directly from local operators is important.

The Chamber wants to better understand the experiences, opportunities and concerns of farmers, wineries, food processors and other businesses operating within or connected to the ALR.

We are particularly interested in hearing:

• What challenges are affecting your ability to process, store or add value to agricultural products?

• Does the existing 50% rule create challenges for your operation?

• Would the proposed changes create meaningful opportunities for your business?

• Do you know the agricultural capability classification of your property?

• What concerns do you have about expanding food processing within the ALR?

• What safeguards, supports or infrastructure would be needed?

• Are there other regulatory challenges the Province should consider?

The Chamber has not taken a formal position on the proposal. Our immediate role is to listen, better understand how the proposed changes may—or may not—apply in the South Okanagan and bring informed local perspectives into the consultation process.

Share Your Perspective

The Province is accepting feedback until September 18, 2026.

Interested businesses can review the Province’s Food Processing in the ALR Discussion Paper and submit comments directly to AF.Minister@gov.bc.ca.

We also encourage South Okanagan agricultural and ALR-based businesses to share their experiences with the Chamber.

Contact Christina Brown, Executive Director, at execdirector@sochamber.ca.