B.C. farmers snap “felfies” showing opposition to Agricultural Land Reserve changes

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      More than two weeks ago, the B.C. Liberal government announced plans to split the Agricultural Land Reserve into two zones.

      The proposal to create Zone 1 (Island, South Coast, and Okanagan) and Zone 2 (Interior, Kootenay, and North) has generated much opposition among farmers, scientists, and local governments.

      According to the B.C. Food Systems Network, the government's Bill 24 would "weaken protection for 90 per cent of lands currently in the ALR"—those in Zone 2.

      Some critics of the legislation are taking to social media to post "felfies" (farmer selfies) with protest messages.

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Comments

      3 Comments

      Rick in Richmond

      Apr 14, 2014 at 4:58pm

      What a difference success makes.

      Over forty years ago, Dave Barrett and the first NDP government introduced the ALR. At the time, it was highly controversial.

      Incited on by the wild rantings of Social Credit (one redhead in particular), the majority of BC farmers opposed it. They wanted to be able to turn their fields into subdivisions. Indeed, without the political courage of Dave Barrett, that's exactly what would have happened.

      Now, more than four decades later, the farming industry is the strongest supporter of the ALR, and wants to preserve it in fact and in principle. No wonder. The ALR preserved their way of life, and saved the agricultural option for the entire province.

      Today, the Liberals (the same old Socred coalition) are just a bit more sneaky in their efforts to dismantle the ALR. But this time is different: the farming community overwhelmingly supports the ALR, and that will make all the difference.

      Steve Smith

      Apr 15, 2014 at 6:53am

      This issue along with our water legislation has to be defended and maintained. Christy Clark's BC Liberals are exactly like the Federal Harper government.

      Erin M

      Apr 15, 2014 at 11:36am

      Population growing = more food will be needed. Just how will we get the farm land back that we will so desperately need back from the homeowners sitting on prime farmland. Just ponder that......