An unincorporated island in the Fraser River has an “incredible opportunity” to become an “agricultural jewel”.

This was the conclusion of a study commissioned by the Metro Vancouver regional government about farming viability in Barnston Island.

Barnston Island is an unincorporated community between Surrey and Pitt Meadows. It is home to Reserve No. 3 of the Katzie First Nation.

The study conducted by Upland Agricultural Consulting has determined that lavender, specialty mushrooms, and strawberries are the most suitable crops for the 622-hectare island.

The consulting company reported that while many crops are “highly feasible” for Barnston Island, the three crops would “not require extensive reliance” on the small ferry service that connects the island to the Lower Mainland.

The island is accessed by ferry from Surrey on 104 Avenue across Parsons Channel.

“All scenarios would all require mild to moderate investments in infrastructure, including drainage, agricultural buildings, and site improvements,” according to the report. “In other words, these crops were chosen as the most suitable to Barnston Island given current conditions.”

The study notes that a lavender crop on a four-hectare farm can produce net earnings of $195,985 per year.

Specialty mushrooms like shiitake on a farm smaller than half a hectare can yield $15,700 in net income.

Strawberries grown in a 15,000-square-foot greenhouse can give a farmer net earnings of $93,448.

The Upland Agricultural Consulting report notes that an inventory completed for the province in 2010 found that 57 percent of the island is used for farming.

“Of the land that is farmed on Barnston, nearly two-thirds (63%) is being used to grow forage, 14% is being used for livestock pasture, and nearly a quarter (23%) is in cranberries,” the report states.

The report also notes that the island is an “incredibly fertile part” of the province, and has over a century of history of agricultural use.

“Based on soil, water, and climate, the diversity of what can be cultivated on Barnston Island is vast,” according to the study. “The gaps that exist are a combination of lack of investment in agricultural infrastructure (e.g. drainage) and challenges with ferry services, land accessibility, availability of long term leases, and labour. The most sustainable agricultural opportunities, therefore, are those that do not rely on immediate access to services, supplies and markets.”