Title
Future of Agriculture Study update
Proposed Motion
That the Future of Agriculture Study update be accepted as information.
Body
Purpose
To provide project information to Council on the Future of Agriculture Study.
Summary
In May 2015, Parkland County began work on the Future of Agriculture Study. The study is divided into two (2) phases:
Phase 1 deliverable is a "situation report" on the current state of agriculture in Parkland County. This phase outlines current agricultural characteristics, statistics, and trends in agriculture that have been observed in the County. The Phase 1 "situation report" was informed by statistics from Statistics Canada and findings from select meetings with different agricultural sector representatives and agricultural stakeholders in Parkland County. The Phase 1 report is included as Attachment 1.
The Phase 2 deliverable will provide recommendations and scenarios to support a healthy agricultural industry in Parkland County, highlighting:
1. Proposed principles and recommendations to support current (and potentially new) agricultural operations in the County; and,
2. Proposed principles and recommendations to diversify and support new and expanding agri-businesses, agri-food, and agri-tourism industries in the County.
Together, Phase 1 and 2 of this project will comprise the Future of Agriculture Study for the County. The study will also identify "priority agricultural lands" within the County for preservation, and draft policies and tools to preserve these lands for agricultural-related purposes.
The consultant has completed Phase 1 of the project and is now beginning Phase 2. The scope of work for Phase 2 is attached (Attachment 2). Phase 2 of the project will be completed by late February 2016 and presented to Council in early March.
A draft vision and principles for the project has been prepared. The draft vision and principles will guide the completion of the Future of Agriculture Study, and has been shared with residents at public open houses held in late October and early November 2015. The draft vision and principles are included as Attachment 3. Feedback provided by the public is included in Attachment 4.
Administration will undertake public consultation on Phase 2 in early 2016. These consultations will occur throughout the County. Public consultations will align with the consultation requirements outlined in the Draft Public Consultation Policy that was presented to the Committee of the Whole on December 1, 2015.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Findings from the Future of Agriculture Study will inform several key aspects in Council's 2016-2020 Strategic Plan under the strategic priority areas of agriculture, economic development, and tourism. Findings will also help inform the update of the future Municipal Development Plan (MDP).
Financial Impact:
Cost: $216,092.00
Source of Funding: Operations
Attachments:
1. Phase 1 Future of Agriculture Situation Report
2. Phase 2 Scope of Work
3. Draft Vision and Principles
4. Public Feedback - Phase 1
5. PowerPoint presentation