Purpose, Vision, Mission and Values
Purposes
The purposes of the Agricultural Land Commission are set out in section 6 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act as:
(a) to preserve agricultural land;
(b) to encourage farming on agricultural land in collaboration with other communities of interest; and
(c) to encourage local governments, First Nations, the government and its agents to enable and accommodate farm use of agricultural land and uses compatible with agriculture in their plans, bylaws and policies.
Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
The vision of the Agricultural Land Commission is a land base in British Columbia reserved for farming.
Mission
The mission of the Agricultural Land Commission is to preserve agricultural land and encourage and enable farm businesses throughout British Columbia.
Values
The Commission is committed to the following values:
- Integration — Policies and programs foster long-term sustainability by considering a range of economic, social and environmental values.
- Accountability and fairness — The Commission sets performance standards, monitors compliance and reports on progress. The Commission acts fairly and in the public interest.
- Transparency — The Commission establishes open processes; the bases of all decisions are public information.
- Science and knowledge — Agricultural Land Reserve boundaries and decisions are based on biophysical criteria, local knowledge and site specific circumstances.
- Responsiveness — In carrying out its responsibilities, the Commission considers the needs of farmers, landowners, applicants, First Nations, local governments and others.
- Shared responsibility — The Commission strives to develop positive working relationships with local governments, First Nations and others and to ensure consultation with all stakeholders in its decisions and activities.
- Certainty — The Commission makes clear and timely decisions within a predictable and understandable regulatory framework.
