(submitted photo/RDCO)

By Vernon Matters Staff

future of local farming

RDCO updating 20-year-old agriculture strategy

May 21, 2025 | 2:00 PM

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is updating its 20-year old agricultural strategy.

Agriculture is an important part of the Central Okanagan’s economy, heritage and quality of life and faces several challenges such as pressures from population growth, a changing climate, and an evolving economy.

According to the RDCO, the draft Regional Agricultural Strategy includes over 60 actions designed to help agriculture feed the community, the economy, and future. It now wants the public feedback on the draft strategy before it becomes official.

From May 20 to June 27, 2025, residents are invited to complete a short online survey at yoursay.rdco.com. The draft Regional Agricultural Strategy includes over 60 actions designed to help agriculture feed our community, our economy and our future. The actions are organized around seven goals:

1. Increase water security for the agri-food industry
2. Preserve and protect the agricultural land base
3. Prepare for emergencies with agriculture in mind
4. Address regional soil removal and deposit challenges
5. Attract farm labour and create certainty for temporary farm worker housing
6. Provide education and communication around Central Okanagan agriculture and food systems
7. Support economic development initiatives for agriculture

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