Resource Management Branch

The Resource Management Branch identifies and promotes agriculture and food production systems that are environmentally sustainable by incorporating the best management practices to protect air, soil and water quality. The Branch also monitors environmental indicators to anticipate and respond to future threats to the environment from current agriculture practices and threats to agriculture from environmental and climate changes.

Through the leadership of the Strengthening Farming Program, and in support of the Farm Practices Protection Act, the Resource Management Branch also promotes strong working relationships between the province, agricultural industry and local governments. The Program works toward a positive planning and regulatory climate within local government jurisdictions to encourage investment in agriculture, food and fisheries, foster community solutions to urban/agricultural land use conflicts and lessen the urban/agriculture divide.
Photo of the Fraser Valley farming area of British Columbia

The Resource Management Branch is divided into four key program areas; strengthening farming, resource management, environmental programs and initiatives, and waste management/emergency preparedness.

Strengthening Farming Program

Leads the Strengthening Farming Program (involving other branches and agencies)
Supports local governments in development of Agricultural Area Plans
Provides tools and guidance to local government for bylaw development
Supports Farm Practices Protection Act and the Farm Industry Review Board
Provides geo-referenced agricultural data for planning and bylaw development
Promotes agricultural awareness through local Agriculture Advisory Committees

Resource Management Programs and Initiatives

Supports delivery of the Canada/BC Water Supply Expansion Program
Promotes water for agriculture through farm water use/conservation projects
Explores agroforestry opportunities for environmental protection and economic benefit
Encourages riparian protection, restoration and better management practices
Responds to drainage and rainwater management issues
Advances soil conservation and protection objectives
Investigates waste-to-energy technologies for on-farm and community application
Provides water management tools - for individual farms and communities

Environmental Programs and Initiatives

Supports development and delivery of the Environmental Farm Plan program
Promotes use of Agriculture Environment Initiative programs
Facilitates the operations of the Partnership Committee on Agriculture and the Environment
Identifies and supports agricultural Climate Change Initiatives - adaptation and mitigation
Promotes sound manure and soil nutrient management and monitors impacts
Encourages appropriate manure storage structures and addresses related issues

Waste Management/Emergency Preparedness Programs and Initiatives

Operates the BC Ruminant Waste Transfer Station
Supports the Investment Agriculture Foundation Livestock Waste Tissue Initiative
Delivers the Canada/BC Specified Risk Material Management Program
Participates in development of traceability databases and premise identification
Leads in preparing for animal carcass disposal in emergency situations
Participates in emergency preparation and response