Agriculture & Food Supply

The Fraser River Delta is the most intensively farmed area in Canada. It generates more than 38% of the province’s gross farm receipts on just 2.4% of its total land base. This area is home to 68% of dairy operations and 80% of poultry operations in the province. It is also known for its cranberry production, accounting for 92% of the cranberries in B.C. and 48% of all cranberries in Canada. As part of the Agricultural Land Reserve, a land-protection program adopted in 1973, agricultural land is protected from encroaching urbanization and industry. However, 40% of the agricultural land in the region is located in the floodplains and vulnerable to coastal or freshet flooding.

Agricultural losses resulting from a projected flood in the region are estimated in excess of $830 million, translating to a broader community impact of $1.1 billion. Moreover, rising groundwater levels, increased soil salinity, and accelerated soil erosion will affect agricultural production, potentially leaving farmers no choice but to change crops or discontinue farming altogether. This means that even with adaptation, SLR combined with other climate induced impacts (e.g. flash floods, extended dry periods, etc.) will have significant consequences for regional and national food security, including the livelihoods of those depending on the agricultural sector.