Introduction

Today's increasingly complex land use patterns demand that special attention be paid to the relationship between agricultural and non-farm uses. In the past, a very simple fence and a good neighbour policy may have sufficed; however, present day realities suggest that the combination of agricultural operations and non-farm uses, most often residential uses, require special efforts be made to avoid the conflicts that many agricultural producers are concerned with. Trespass and vandalism to farm crops and equipment, complaints about early morning farm vehicle noise, the drifting of dust and sprays from field operations and smells from the application of manures and composts, are only some of the more commonly expressed concerns.

With the increasing demands being placed on a very limited land base, there will continue to be situations where there will be a hard and distinctive edge between agricultural and other uses.

In an effort to make that edge work to the advantage of the farmer and non-farming public, the Commission has developed "Landscaped Buffer Specifications" which set out a variety of buffering schedules for use in different circumstances. It is important to note that these buffer areas are intended to be established on the non-farm property rather than coming off of the farm properties.

The Commission will use the specifications, where appropriate, as a condition when considering the approval of applications under the Agricultural Land Commission Act. In addition, these specifications provide a practical guide for councils, regional boards and other agencies where the opportunity exists to create or improve the buffer between agriculture and non-agricultural lands.

This report sets out a gradation of buffers types. These range from a fairly simple minimum vegetative screen, that might apply to low impact situations, to a very comprehensive buffer that incorporates berming, fencing and planting for the screening of noise, views, dust and sprays. There is also a buffer type that allows for the combination of water features and fences for trespass prevention.

In addition, the report specifies separate schedules for plant layout and spacing, acceptable plant materials and fencing. It is anticipated that various combinations of the schedules will allow the greatest flexibility in selecting an appropriate buffer to suit the specific situation at hand.

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