Urban farming: growing food to sell

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.

  If you’re interested in starting a new urban farm, complete the following steps:

  1. Determine your farm's classification category PDF file (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 PDF file (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 PDF file (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 PDF file (89 KB): this will document key information about your farm also contains information and procedures about applying for business licences and development permits.
  5. Submit a completed checklist to foodpolicy@vancouver.ca. We'll be in touch regarding next steps.  
• 

  Operating an urban farm

  Your business license must be renewed annually.

  Contact the Food Policy team at foodpolicy@vancouver.ca with any questions.

• 

  Resources for urban farming

  • Pesticide restrictions
  • Watering restrictions
  • Urban agriculture guidelines for developers PDF file (80 KB)
  • Park Board Urban Agriculture Policy PDF file (129 KB)
  • Vancouver Urban Farming Society External website, opens in new tab
  • Young Agrarians network and program platform for new and young ecological and organic farmers External website, opens in new tab