Draft Regional Agricultural Strategy
Update: June 27, 2025
The Survey is now closed. Thanks to everyone who completed it. A final report to the board, including a report of what we heard as a result of this engagement will be presented to the Regional Board in the fall. To find out more about RDCO board decisions, please subscribe to news from the RDCO on this page rdco.com/subscribe. Winners of the two grocery gift cards will be contacted directly.
Survey
This short survey is designed to collect your feedback and input on the draft Regional Agricultural Strategy. Results from this survey will contribute to refining the Strategy before it is finalized and brought to the Regional Board for endorsement.
Background
Agriculture is an important part of the Central Okanagan’s economy, heritage and quality of life. However, several challenges are facing agriculture in the region, such as pressures from population growth, a changing climate, and an evolving economy. In response, the RDCO is updating the Regional Agricultural Strategy.
The RDCO’s original Agricultural Plan was established in 2005. The necessity to update the plan emerged as a priority within the Regional Growth Strategy Priority Projects Plan in 2017. Phase 1 culminated with the completion of the Central Okanagan Agricultural Background Report in winter 2022. Phase 2 commenced in October 2024 and is expected to be finalized by fall 2025.
The final Regional Agricultural Strategy will include recommendations for how Central Okanagan governments can work together to support a thriving agricultural sector in the Central Okanagan.
Community Engagement
Phase 1 and 2 of the Regional Agricultural Strategy to develop the Background Report included multiple forms of engagement, including focus group sessions, interviews, a planning lab an open house and a staff-level Working Group. The Working Group included representatives from member municipality governments, Westbank First Nation, the Cross-commodity Leadership Support Project, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Interior Health, the OK Sterile Insect Release program and the regional agri-food sector. Focus groups have been held with members of the agricultural community, development industry, and local and First Nation governments. The Working Group has met four times since October 2024 to review and provide feedback on the vision statement, goals, focus areas and draft recommended actions.
Vision Statement
The following vision statement defines the long-term aspirations of the Regional Agricultural Strategy, guiding goals, strategies and actions:
| Central Okanagan agriculture feeds our community, our economy, and our future. It is based on strong relationships between the farming community, all levels of government, and Indigenous communities. Farmland is protected, farms are thriving, and the community supports a regional food system that sustains present and future generations through a strong local business environment, water security, climate resilience and the responsible adoption of technology. |
Draft Regional Agricultural Strategy Goals
Seven key goals emerged from the vision statement. They are (in no particular order):
- Increase water security for the agri-food industry
- Preserve and protect the agricultural land base
- Prepare for emergencies with agriculture in mind
- Address regional soil removal and deposit
- Attract farm labour and create certainty for temporary farm worker housing
- Provide education and communication around Central Okanagan agriculture and food systems
- Be supportive of economic development initiatives for agriculture
There are more than 60 recommended actions in the draft Strategy that are designed to help achieve these goals.
The final Strategy will also include an implementation plan that describes lead and supporting organizations, priorities, timelines, costs and funding.
Link to the survey. Complete for your chance to win one of two $100 grocery gift cards.
I just wanted to state that I think supporting agriculture in the region is extremely important. It sets aside land not buried under concrete, creates food and water security, and takes money from agricorporations. Thank you for making it a priority
Please reach out to the District of Lake Country to change their viewpoint on the TFW housing for Northern Cherries. This cherry operation contributes a lot to the local economy
we should be supportive of our Ag industry.,