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Agricultural Advisory Committee

In 1995, the City of Surrey became the first municipality in the Lower Mainland to establish an Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC).  Today, Surrey's AAC is one of the longest functioning in the province. 

The AAC plays a prominent role in protecting, enhancing, and promoting agriculture.  The AAC has:

  • assisted with the development of agricultural policies in the Official Community Plan;
  • played an active role in Surrey's land development review process and
    preparation of Neighbourhood Plans;
  • supported investment in a comprehensive flood control strategy for the
    Nicomekl and Serpentine watersheds;
  • promoted initiatives to increase the viability and productivity of farms
    and the farming community;
  • implemented measures to address conflict in the rural-urban
    interface;
  • promoted best agricultural practices for farm operations;
  • reviewed and made recommendations to Council regarding subdivisions, rezonings, and development applications in and adjacent to the ALR; and
  • prepared the Surrey Agricultural Plan. 

To view the Terms of Reference for the AAC, please click here. 

The AAC is a Council Appointed Select Committee.  AAC minutes can be found on the Council Information web-site at surrey.ihostez.com by clicking "Committee Minutes" and then "Agricultural Advisory Committee".

For information on the Greater Vancouver Regional District's Agriculture Committee, please click here .


SURREY FARMERS INSTITUTE

The Surrey Farmers Institute is a proactive voice for farmers of Surrey.  It provides nominations to the Surrey Agricultural Advisory Committee and often identifies issues and concerns for the AAC's agenda.  The Surrey Farmers Institute may also handle issues that extend beyond the mandate of the City-appointed AAC.

For more information about the Surrey Farmers Institute, please contact the Chair, Daryl Arnold, or the Vice Chair, Mike Bose.


FARM TOURS  (by Invitation Only)

Each summer, for the past several years, Surrey's Agricultural Advisory Committee has hosted an annual Surrey Farm Tour to broaden awareness of the importance and success of agriculture in Surrey.  The annual Farm Tour showcases several innovative and leading agricultural operations located within Surrey, and provides opportunities for staff and persons representing many perspectives to meet, exchange ideas, and talk about the future of agriculture in the city.


Surrey 2005 Farm Tour