RETAIL SALES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
IN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE

- A POLICY DISCUSSION PAPER -

PURPOSE

The establishment of Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) policy for retail sales of agricultural products in the
ALR. is intended to:

1, encourage a moderate level of retail activity associated with a farm for the direct sale of farm products, thus
contributing to the productive use of farmiand; and

2. streamline the application procedure by clarifying when a farm-related retail use requires or does not require
approval of the ALC,

BACKGROUND

Since the ALR was established in 1973 there hag been concern over the appropriate level of commercial retail
activity in the ALR as it is related to the sale of agricultural products.

At the same time there has been increased pressure on farmers to identify additional sources of income through
diversification and integration of their operations. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has identified
(in its draft Strategic Plan) the following opportunity:

"Encouraging producers of fish and food to become more self-reliant and mazket-
oriented by linking production, processing and distribution to market demand"

Direct farm marketing is one method to capitalize on this trend and enhance farm income.

The mandate of the Agricultural Land Commission is not only to preserve agricultural land but also to encourage
the establishment and maintenance of farms and the use of land in the ALR compatible with agricultural purposes.

This draft farm market policy addresses the second part of the Commission's mandate, i.c.: to encourage farming.
The policy must also address the following two questions:

1. What type of retail activity in the ALR is appropriate to enhance farm viability without negatively impacting
on farrn activities?

What levels of retail activity that are accessory to farm use ma;y be exempted from regulation?

'Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, “Strategic Plan to the Year 2000 (Draft)"