The Comox Valley Regional District has taken its first concrete step toward implementing the updated Comox Valley Agricultural Plan with the hiring of a new Agricultural Planning Coordinator.

The updated plan, originally developed more than 20 years ago and recently refreshed, reflects input from farmers, producers, processors, agricultural organizations, and partners from across the region.

It outlines priorities related to water management, agricultural land protection, climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, and strengthening the local agri-food economy.

While the full rollout of the plan will take place over time as resources and partnerships allow, the CVRD says the new coordinator role marks an important move from planning to action.

The position provides dedicated capacity to coordinate efforts, engage directly with the agricultural community, and advance early priorities within the CVRD’s rural mandate.

The Agricultural Planning Coordinator will act as a liaison between the CVRD and the agricultural sector, supporting information sharing and communication.

Initial work will focus on outreach during a period when producers are more available to engage, as well as identifying the next practical steps in areas such as water storage and emergency preparedness.

The Agricultural Plan sets out five core goals to guide future work in the region.

These include stewarding water resources to meet agricultural needs, maintaining agricultural land protection and support for producers, growing and strengthening the regional agri-food economy, collaborating on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and emergency preparedness, and increasing awareness and appreciation of local agriculture.

The CVRD says the combination of the updated plan and the new coordinator role will help strengthen relationships with producers and partners, while identifying opportunities to work together to support long-term agricultural viability in the Comox Valley.

To see the full release, visit Comox Valley Regional District.