Farm Diversification

Farm Product Processing

The storing, packing, preparing, and processing of farm products is permitted in the ALR and does not require an application to the Commission, provided the farm (or a Cooperative Association under the Cooperative Association Act) produces at least 50% of the products being processed.

Farm Retail sales

The retail sale of farm products produced on the farm, including farm gate sales, is permitted in the ALR and does not require an application to the Commission, provided at least 50% of the products sold are produced on the farm. Where products not produced on the farm are also sold, limits apply to the size of the retail sales area.

When an application is required

An application to the Commission is required if more than 50% of the products being processed or sold are sourced from other farms.

Important to know

• Bistros, cafés, and restaurants are not permitted in the ALR without application approval of the Commission, with the exception of food and beverage service lounges associated with wineries, cideries, breweries, distilleries, or meaderies.
• Local government and First Nation governments can further regulate but not prohibit these activities.

Policy guidance on these uses:

• Policy L‑01: Farm Product Processing in the ALR
• Policy L‑02: Farm Retail Sales in the ALR

Certain agri‑tourism activities that allow members of the public to visit and learn more about a working farm are permitted in the ALR, provided farming remains the primary use of the land and certain regulatory conditions are met.

Conditions that apply

• The land must be classified as ‘farm’ under the Assessment Act.
• No permanent facilities may be constructed, erected, or converted for agri‑tourism activity use, including parking areas.
• Activities must relate directly to the ongoing farm operation.

Examples of permitted agri‑tourism activities

• Farm tours and educational demonstrations related to on‑farm production.
• Farm animal petting zoos.
• Seasonal harvest festivals that promote farm products grown on the farm.
• Activities that promote or market livestock raised on the farm.
• Corn mazes prepared using corn grown on the farm.

Examples of activities that are not permitted

Activities that are not considered agri-tourism events include, but are not limited to, paint ball, dirt bike and ATV trails, mini-train parks, model aircraft runways, helicopter tours, permanent food service facilities, permanent mazes, zoos, etc.

When an application is required

A non‑farm use application is required if activities do not meet the conditions above or if permanent structures are proposed.

Important to know

• Upgrading or converting buildings to meet public assembly or building code requirements is considered the construction of a permanent facility.
• Local government and First Nation governments can further regulate but not prohibit these activities.

Policy guidance on this use:

• Policy L‑04: Agri‑tourism Activities in the ALR

The ALR Use Regulation permits a limited number of non‑agricultural events on a farm, subject to certain conditions. These events include weddings, private parties, corporate retreats, music concerts and concert series, music festivals, film and theatrical presentations, art shows, dance recitals, charitable and political fundraising events, dances, and sports events/activities.

Conditions that apply

• The land must be classified as ‘farm’ under the Assessment Act.
• No more than 10 events per calendar year may occur.
• Each event must be 24 hours or less.
• No more than 150 people may attend the farm at any one time.
• No permanent facilities may be constructed, erected, or converted for events, including parking areas.
• Parking must not interfere with agricultural production or negatively affect neighbouring farm operations.

When an application is required

A non‑farm use application is required if any of the above conditions are not met or are exceeded.

Important to know

• Gatherings for an event are permitted non-farm uses, not farm uses.
• These events do not count as farm or agri‑tourism activities.
• Upgrading or converting buildings to meet public assembly or building code requirements is considered the construction of a permanent facility.
• Local government and First Nation governments can further regulate but not prohibit these activities.

Policy guidance on this use:

• Policy L‑22: Gathering for an Event in the ALR

Only very limited forms of accommodation are permitted in the ALR, and they are closely regulated.

Tourist accommodation (otherwise known as a bed and breakfast)

• Up to four bedrooms within a lawful principal residence where the landowner resides.
• Short‑term accommodation only.
• Does not require ‘farm’ class status under the Assessment Act.

Agri‑tourism accommodation

• Must be offered in relation to permitted agri‑tourism activities.
• The land must be classified as ‘farm’ under the Assessment Act.
• Limited to short‑term or seasonal use.
• Maximum of 10 sleeping units in total (including rv sites or tourist accommodation bedrooms).
• Subject to limits on total developed area.

When an application is required

A non‑farm use application is required if any of the above conditions are not met or are exceeded.

Important to know

• Agri‑tourism accommodation on its own does not qualify as an agri‑tourism activity.
• Local government and First Nation governments can further regulate or prohibit these activities.

More information on these uses:

• Information Bulletin 06: Tourist and Agri‑Tourism Accommodation in the ALR

Be sure to:

• Confirm whether the land is in the ALR by visiting Is My Property in the ALR?
• Review the applicable ALC Policies & Bulletins and the ALR Use Regulation to confirm what is permitted without application or authorization of the ALC.
• If fill or structural aggregate is needed to facilitate any of these activities, check to see if you need to submit a Notice of Intent to the ALC for authorization to place this material in the ALR.
• Check local government or First Nation government zoning and bylaw requirements.
• Check if any other authorizations are required such as special event permits or licenses from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
• Learn more about qualifying for ‘farm’ classification at BC Assessment.
• Submit an Application if the activity exceeds the regulatory limits or doesn’t meet the conditions.

Keeping farming as the primary use helps ensure diversification activities support the long‑term agricultural purpose of the ALR.