Agricultural Advisory Committees 

			List of AACs in BC
			AAC Information Package
			AAC Information Exchange
			AAC Workshops

With only 1.6% of British Columbians living on farms, it has become increasingly important for local governments to find ways to keep in touch with their farm and ranch communities.

Several municipalities and regional districts have appointed Agricultural Advisory Committees (AAC) to provide an important link to their farm and ranch communities.  There are currently 21 AACs, serving 24 local governments, that assist councils and regional boards with advice on a wide range of agricultural issues.

AAC duties may include the consideration of re-zoning or official plan amendments and Agricultural Land Reserve applications. Other matters such as transportation, edge planning, water and drainage issues have been forwarded to AACs for advice. Some committees have assisted in the development of agricultural economic strategies and agri-tourism policies.

AACs are also making important contributions to agricultural awareness, including assisting with farm tours. In other cases AACs have supported or acted as steering committees in the development of agricultural area plans.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) have supported local government AACs by producing an information package, including a model terms of reference. Ministry and ALC staff have also been invited to attend agricultural advisory committee meetings, acting as a non-voting resource member of the committee.

The Ministry has also assisted in the organization of AAC workshops to provide an opportunity for Committee members from across the province to come together and share their experiences.