Metro Vancouver farmland prices affecting our food system
A report published by Vancity suggests that in order to develop a robust local food system, the high price of farmland in Metro Vancouver needs to be addressed. The report,
Home on the Range: Cost pressures and the price of farmland in Metro Vancouver, found the average price per acre for farms under five acres far exceeds what is financially viable for most farms. Farmland prices in Metro Vancouver range from $150,000 to $350,000 per acre for parcels less than five acres. The financial viability of many farm businesses in B.C. becomes questionable when land prices reach $80,000 per acre, according to Farm Credit Canada. B.C. is highly dependent on food imports. This means that we are vulnerable to global food price increases. Between Janaury 2015 and January 26, fresh vegetables have increased 26% and fresh fruits by 9% in this market. The Vancity report says that the relationship between the average price per acre of farmland in Metro Vancouver, and the purchase of agricultural land for estate homes and speculation are among the factors driving up prices of Metro Vancouver farmland and threatening the viability of local farming. Rising residential land prices in urban centres also affect the prices of nearby parcels of agricultural land, particularly those less than 10 acres, which may be purchased as estate homes and qualify for tax advantages with minimal farming activity.
Food insecurity is a major issue in the Lower Mainland. One in five children live in poverty in B.C. One-third of food bank visitors are children. Children deprived of nutritious diets are less healthy, less likely to succeed in school, and more likely to face physical and economic difficulties for the rest of their lives. Household income has the greatest impact on proper nutrition.The average monthly cost of the nutritious food basket for a family of four in the Lower Mainland is $978. United Way funds 22 food initiatives in the Lower Mainland that provide kids and their families with nutritious food and lifelong knowledge of how to eat well and be healthy. Aside from providing nutrition, food plays an incredibly important role in the delivery of social service programs building connections, community, and trust. United Way ‘s Stop the Growl initiative raised awareness about food security issues and funds during Nutrition Month in March. We also collected and published 31 healthy nutritious recipes for a family of 4 for $15 or less.