Kwantlen Polytechnic University is undertaking a major study to see how underutilized farmland can be brought into production for small-scale agriculture, but Delta council seems skeptical it will have tangible results.
Dr. Kent Mullinix, director of Kwantlen's Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Program, made a presentation to civic politicians recently to explain the initiative that aims to create more opportunities for small-scale, sustainable farming and ancillary businesses.
Several communities, including Burnaby, North Vancouver and Langley Township, have endorsed the plan, also agreeing to the university's request for financial support over the three-year study.
Noting much of the $1.5 million needed has been obtained though the university, foundations and other sources, Mullinix assured Delta council the end result would be more than just an academic exercise.
"In southwest British Columbia we spend every year $6.3 billion on food, and the vast majority of that money leaves our community and our economy by the close of business every day," he said.
"We have an opportunity, and the time is right, to develop an economic sector that captures a significant portion of this $6.3 billion and in doing so, enhances the economic, business, social and environmental vitalities of our communities."
The university wants Delta to contribute financially as well as provide a staff liaison.
Delta CAO George Harvie wondered why Delta is being requested to contribute $30,000 when other communities were asked for significantly less, adding Metro Vancouver has yet to approve a funding request from the university.
He said the Delta farming community has the most expertise when it comes to what can and can't work, so it should be consulted before Delta agrees to contribute financially or to participate.
Coun. Ian Paton agreed, noting farming has been "studied ad nauseam" in recent years by various levels of government. He wondered how the university study differs or would change things.
Mayor Lois Jackson said Delta needs to justify the financial commitment.
"This is a very sexy topic today. We never heard this terminology several years ago. Metro Vancouver took this under its wing six years ago, and therefore everybody wants to be in support of sustainable agriculture," she said.
"However, we have to talk to the farmers that actually live here, that farm and make a living by their efforts. They're the only ones who can really tell us what they need."
Coun. Robert Campbell also wondered if anything practical would come out of the study or if it would be a theoretical exercise.
Mullinix said the study won't result in a "feel good wish list" but in real implementation strategies. Coun. Bruce McDonald said he supports the idea and is willing to be the liaison. His colleagues voted in favour of his motion to support the concept, but only in principle. Council didn't offer financial support, referring the proposal to the civic agricultural advisory committee and the Delta Farmers' Institute.
