Abbotsford has a new agricultural strategy.
Approved on Monday by council, the plan responds to key issues facing agriculture in Abbotsford, and contains policies that support the long-term health and growth of agriculture.
Key objectives are to enhance opportunities for agricultural enterprise; encourage the agricultural use of farmland; pursue investment; invest in infrastructure and cultivate public support.
Agriculture is a key economic driver in Abbotsford. The total revenues from primary agriculture in the city are the highest in the Fraser Valley and about three times the level of the next highest per acre revenue region in Canada. Agriculture related economic activity in the city amounts close to $1.8 billion annually or about 35 per cent of the total gross domestic product generated in the city.
Agriculture supports about 25 per cent of the private sector jobs in Abbotsford. The farm gate receipts of the dairy, broiler, turkey and egg sectors alone account for about 52 per cent of the gross farm receipts in Abbotsford.
The strategy was developed through consultation with farmers, industry, marketing boards, government agencies and the public.
It can be viewed online at www.abbotsford.ca/agriculture.