About the Author — Barry Smith

In writing and editing Planning for Agriculture, Barry drew upon nearly 25 years of planning experience in BC. He graduated from the University of Waterloo's School of Urban and Regional Planning and the University of BC's School of Community and Regional Planning. Barry's interest in agriculture began with work in 1974 on his Master's thesis - a study of the implementation of BC's Land Commission Act.

For several years Barry worked for the Dewdney-Alouette Regional District, gaining a strong understanding of regional and community planning and the unique world of land use zoning. In 1981 he started working for the Agricultural Land Commission. He continued his involvement with local governments in the review of plans and bylaws and the development of Commission policy. Barry also worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, representing the ALC for many years on the Ministry's Greenzone Committee, an early sounding board for several of the concepts contained in Planning for Agriculture.

In 1997 Barry was named "Agriculturalist of the Year" by the BC Institute of Agrologists for his outstanding efforts in the field of agriculture. This was the first time in the Institute's history that a planner was so recognized. Barry's work on the Provincial government's "Strengthening Farming Initiative", which led to the adoption os the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act, was one of the reasons for the honour. In accepting his award, Barry noted that it signaled recognition of the need to build strong linkages between people involved in planning and those involved in agriculture.

Barry currently works for the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. E-mail the author.