Draft - Official Community Plan - Surrey 2050

Part D – Policies

D5 Agricultural & Food Systems

Agriculture is an integral part of Surrey’s economy and identity. The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) comprises over a third of Surrey’s land base. Farms, food systems and urban life coexist as core elements of the city’s community life. The sector supports thousands of jobs and is a vital contributor to the local economy. Protecting and enhancing the ALR and the long term viability of the local food system remains a key priority. This requires preserving Surrey’s agricultural land base and carefully managing subdivision, non-farm uses and utility encroachments that could compromise current or future farm operations. It also involves creating new on-farm opportunities (e.g., value added processing and vertically-integrated operations) and attracting more agri-tech and agri-food investment to bolster the sector. Promoting urban agriculture and enhancing food security through greater access to grocery stores and food production will further strengthen Surrey’s overall food system . Priorities in this chapter align with the Surrey Agricultural Plan and the Agricultural Protection and Enhancement Strategy .

Goal: Surrey has a thriving agricultural sector supported by healthy, resilient local food systems.

Objectives

5.1

Protect and enhance Surrey’s agricultural land base.

5.2

Foster growth and investment in S urrey’s agricultural and food sectors. Enhance S urrey’s local food system and improve access to food for all residents.

5.3

Surrey 2050 | D35