Urban farming: growing food to sell

Urban farming is defined as growing fruits and vegetables for sale.

Get details on:

Starting an urban farm
Operating an urban farm
Resources for urban farming

What's happening

Urban Farm Guidelines review

October 2021: We are currently reviewing the Urban Farm Guidelines as part of our work to explore how we can better support the urban farming sector.

Check back for more information and engagement opportunities.

Managing your farm

Starting an urban farm
Urban farms may be operated as for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and social enterprises. Regardless of the business model, urban farms need a business license and may require other permits.

As you begin planning for your new farm business, note that processing times for urban farm business licenses vary and can take up to two months. Staff can provide an estimated processing timeline when you submit your application

If you’re interested in starting a new urban farm, complete the following steps:
1. Determine your farm's classification category (1.5 MB): There are two types of urban farms (Class A and Class B), each with their own set of regulations.
2. Review the urban farming guidelines (119 KB): This document outlines all of the regulations pertaining urban farms and are designed to ensure that urban farms operate in a safe and neighbourly manner. The guidelines assist urban farmers to prepare their application and city staff to evaluation applications.
3. Review our guide to reducing health risks (1.3 MB): This guide outlines ways to reduce contamination of soil and fresh produce by unhealthy bacteria, acid soluble metals, petroleum products, or volatile organic compounds sometimes present in the urban environment.
4. Complete an urban farm checklist (89 KB): This will document key information about your farm and also highlights accompanying documentation and forms you are required to complete and submit.
5. Submit a completed checklist along with requested documents and forms to foodpolicy@vancouver.ca. We'll be in touch regarding next steps.
Operating an urban farm
Resources for urban farming

Urban farming: growing food to sell

What's happening

Urban Farm Guidelines review

Managing your farm

Starting an urban farm

Operating an urban farm

Resources for urban farming

Resources for food businesses

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies