Holding a wedding at a farm may become much more difficult if new rules being considered by the provincial government go into effect.
The Agricultural Land Commission is looking at how agri-tourism is regulated in the province. Currently, any business activity on ALR land that isn’t farming can only be done with a permit.
“We need to clarify what agro-tourism really was all about, whether it’s temporary use, whether it’s seasonal. We’ve taken that input we received from our consultation last year…and the ministry has put forward a draft discussion paper,” says Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick.
“If you want to do non-farm use of farmland, in most cases you have to apply to the ALR for permission. It’s their job to ensure farmland is preserved for future generations.”
Garnet Etsell is one of many farmers worried about changes to the law or the ALR becoming more stringent in regulating weddings. He has been preparing his Singletree Winery in Abbotsford to host weddings next year.
“The area has been leveled and we were going to sod it this spring. We’re looking to starting being able to do this in April through next summer,” he said.
“We firmly support the idea that the land needs to be used primarily for agriculture, but from all perspective, the events are ancillary to our agriculture operation and complimentary to it. It’s not really a stand alone business, it’s meant to augment and enhance our farming.”
The government has extended the deadline for feedback on agri-tourism to January 15.
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