Regional Climate and Production Systems
Historical climate and production capacity
This region includes:
- Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
- Capital Regional District
- Comox Valley Regional District
- Cowichan Valley Regional District
- Regional District of Nanaimo
- Strathcona Regional District
Much of the agricultural area in the Vancouver Island region experiences a long and rainy winter season and dry conditions during the summer. However, sub-regional differences affect agricultural production. Most the agricultural land in the region is found in valleys and lowlands along the east side of Vancouver Island, as well as in the Alberni Valley and on the Saanich Peninsula. Pockets of agricultural land are also be found on the Gulf Islands and around Metchosin. Most agricultural production in the region happens in the Capital and Cowichan Valley regional districts. These areas have longer average growing seasons than the other four regional districts. Glacial till soils cover most of the lowland areas of Vancouver Island. Most soils are class 3 and 4 on southeast Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Much of the soils could be improved to classes 1 to 3 through either irrigation and/or drainage. The region includes about 2.3% of the total Agricultural Land Reserve land.
Agricultural production
In 2016, the Vancouver Island region was home to 2,678 farms – 15% of the farms in BC. The region’s production is diverse. It includes many types of horticultural crops – vegetables, berries, nursery and greenhouse – as well various types of livestock and poultry. About 10% of BC’s dairy operations are on Vancouver Island, with the majority located in the Cowichan and Comox Valley areas. Beekeeping in the region makes up almost 20% of the provincial total. Most agricultural land on Vancouver Island is dedicated to forage production. The sector has shifted away from commodity production towards production for niche markets, agri-tourism and direct farm marketing across the region.
Top Issues & Projects
Projections provided by the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium were shared during the regional planning process where producers discussed how the anticipated changes would likely affect their operations. Then they identified four climate issues as their top concerns. Many of these projects are a direct response to the adaptation strategies and top issues outlined in the Vancouver Island Adaptation Strategies plan. The projects are developed by CCAP with oversight and input from a regional working group. Other projects deliver applied research that supports climate change adaptation at the farm level. These 2-4 year projects fall under the Farm Adaptation Innovator Program.
Projects