Welcome to Ridge Meadows Farmers' Institute
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN WORKING ON IN 2025?
Backflow Preventer Mandate
Backflow Preventer Update - RMFI has met with both Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, and subsequently the Mayor, Nicole MacDonald, to raise concerns of the RMFI members. RMFI has suggested and volunteered assistance to do a risk assessment as set out in Bylaw #2982, 2024, Section 25.1, starting with large farming operations.
Water License
RMFI continues to support the City of Pitt Meadows in obtaining a license for river water for agricultural use from the Province. A few concerns raised by RMFI are that the City of Pitt Meadows is looking at downloading significant costs onto the ALR farm owners.
Development Cost Charges by Metro Vancouver
RMFI has requested that new agricultural buildings be exempt from development cost charges because of undue economic hardship, and now, agriculture is exempt.
Minimum Farm Revenue Amount
RMFI is opposed to raising the minimum farm revenue amount from $2500 to $7500, citing economic hardship and the need to encourage small farm food production.
Secondary Dwellings on Agricultural Land
This issue is currently being discussed in the Pitt Meadows survey, and we encourage members to have their say. RMFI will continue to advocate for more reasonable size and availability for secondary dwellings.
Capital Gains and Prohibitive Influence on farm succession
While a federal issue, RMFI will continue to raise the issue of exemption of capital gains on agricultural property to encourage farm succession and secure food supply.
Environmental Farm Plan
The EFP reps have offered to provide an education session if our members are interested. If you are interested in learning more please reach out to the RMFI chair at RMFIchair@gmail.com so we can set up an education session.
While the above concerns received the most attention by RMFI in 2025, the Board of Directors welcomes input from its members and welcomes other issues affecting farmers.
For example, invasive and noxious weed control is a serious issue facing Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge ALR owners, and must be addressed by local government.
