Vancouver’s Colony Farm agricultural academy plan goes to committee despite objections

“Provide opportunities to experience working farm landscapes in appropriate park sites through the establishment of an active farm program and academy for sustainable food production and the development of policies to fit agriculture within regional park settings. Promote education, demonstration and observation of farm activities where appropriate.”

By Kelly Sinoski
Vancouver Sun
September 12, 2011

Excerpts:

Metro Vancouver continues to pitch the idea of a “sustainable agriculture academy” at Colony Farm, despite concern from environmentalists that it will lead to more farming at other regional parks.

The proposal, which will go to Metro’s parks and agricultural joint committee today, is aimed at producing local food and agricultural products on a series of small farms of up to 16 hectares in the regional park, which sits between Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.

The first phase of the project, expected to cost $5 million, would involve about 37 hectares of land and a “starter” academy, involving incubator farms to train farmers, according to the draft report.

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