As you may know, small lot farmers in Saanich have become the first contestants in a provincial wide game that BC Assessment is calling “The Project”. This game is a little bit like strip poker. No matter how good of a player you have been in the past, or in this case how good of a farmer, eventually contestants are left standing without any clothes on and BC assessment has a brand new wardrobe.
So what is going on?
Small lot farms are being reassessed and split into pieces for tax purposes. Farmers are being put though an exercise of having to prove themselves innocent while they are accused of being guilty of not using their land in ways that qualify them for farm status. “The Project” is something that started last summer. One by one, farms were inspected without any notice. And one by one they were split up. Then BC Assessment encouraged people appeal their new assessment if they didn’t agree.
204 farms were part of the reassessment. These farms were not inside the ALR. So they were left without protection that the ALR would have given them. The lack of communication between BC Assessment and residents with these small lots farms has been unexplainable. BC Assessment claims that nothing has really changed with the legislation, what has changed is the way they are enforcing policies that are already in place. They are simply trying to correct classifications that have been incorrect in the past. They let farmers know that as land values rise in rural areas there is more pressure to correct these incorrect classifications. Where is the pressure coming from?
In January, residents of Saanich, politicians and people who care about local food joined me one evening for a public meeting. We wanted BC Assessment to know we did not agree with this action. We called for a moratorium. We said stop doing this until you figure out what you are doing.
We didn’t get a moratorium. We got a review panel assigned to assess the farm classification process and regulations with a focus on simplifying and streamlining the regulations, while at the same time ensuring the property assessment system is fair, equitable, enhances competitiveness and supports innovation and the British Columbia Agriculture Plan and a healthy future for British Columbia families and communities.
This panel will begin its review in July and will be completing the process in 2009.
That sounds really great. But for the last 2 weeks I have been sitting and watching the Saanich farm Appeals. Let me tell you, 2009 is too late for Saanich.
We have to ask ourselves an important question.. How important are our rural areas? I have heard politicians say that they don’t need areas such as rural Saanich during an election because there aren’t enough votes to make a difference to them. But when you look at a Saanich citizen study, the importance of protecting the Urban containment boundary, the importance of protecting local farming and the protection of natural spaces and places ranks right at the top of the list of things that matter. The citizens who took this poll are not all from rural Saanich but a mix of residents from all over the Municipality.
Rural Saanich, although not heavily populated, has a great role to play. There is the idea that it is a source for local food, a greenbelt, an environment for species that are slowly loosing habitat. And if you believe in climate change we have a carbon sink. And if you don’t believe in Climate change just think of it as a place where stands of trees are able to suck up pollution and clean our air.
If you think of everything as having a fiscal value then perhaps you would not see Rural Saanich as it is now, as having the value it should. And that is where “the Project” comes in. Somebody realized that there was some property tax income that they were missing out on. Maybe they thought they could improve the fiscal value of this area? They could put a greater dollar value on it.
There are large properties that are getting a reduction in there property tax by selling farm products. In the past, a $2500 - $10000 threshold was used to measure the productivity of a small farm. We have people raising chickens, selling eggs, raising pigs, selling produce, harvesting honey, raising lamb, growing grapes, making wine, etc. The list goes on and on. They are doing this and usually holding down another job off the property. This is the new face of farming.
Now it looks like there is a new way to measure if a farm is a farm in Rural Saanich.
Now the area farmed is measured right down to the last square foot.. The parts of these rural lots that are not actively farmed are being taxed at a residential rate. So that means if you have a 5-acre parcel and actively farm 3 acres while choosing to leave a 2-acre forest as a green belt or an intact ecosystem, protection from erosion, protection for an irrigation pond, natural drainage control, or a buffer zone from neighbors, this is now taxed at a residential rate. Small lot farms are being split into pieces so that more property tax can be collected.
The problem is that people like us don’t just see a monetary value in these farms. It’s people like us that see much more. We see food production, environmental protection, and most of all food security. We know what’s coming down the line. One farmer left their appeal in tears this week. Her farm was spilt and she didn’t understand why. Her question to BC Assessment this: Who is going to feed you?
So what will happen to these great stands of forest in Rural Saanich now taxed at residential rates and split from the farm that housed them as if to imply they had no value to the farm? If the only way to be considered a “whole farm” is to clear-cut your property then that may be what happens. And then what? In my opinion, we will start to see development happening behind the urban containment boundary. Maybe that is the point of this new approach.
The project is moving on to Langford and Metchosin next. How do we make sure the next round of farms is protected?
We have a panel that has been formed to address this pressing issue. We have a panel that has been chosen to represent regional areas of BC and to look at revamping the way farms are being assessed. The panel will begin to meet in July and the BC Government is encouraging all concerned citizens to give their input.
We have to tell Minister Thorpe and the Panel that small lot farms matter. We are lucky in this area that we have such a knowledgeable supportive citizen base. I think people know how important small farms are. And I think we all know that our definition of a farm is different that one being used in “the project”. So what can we do? We have to write letters, make phone calls, we have to be the ones who stand up and say that small lot farms will be part of the solution and a contributor to our food security system in this area in the future. And that is the power we have. Let’s use it!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Sours Grapes?
Panel holds fate of farms
By Roszan Holmen - Saanich News - March 07, 2008
Review deadline too late for next year’s tax bills
If fresh, local produce tops your priority list, you may have to start sourcing from farther afield.
The fate of Saanich farmers whose livelihood is threatened by higher taxes is in the hands of a newly-appointed farm review panel.
The 10-member panel was appointed to evaluate B.C. Assessment’s decision to reclassify 97 Saanich farms as split farm-residential, resulting in significant tax hikes for the farmers.
Many of these farms are organic, though not one of the panelists farms organically, said Lana Popham, an outspoken advocate for small lot farms and owner of the Barking Dog Vineyard in Saanich. Organic farms need to be represented on the panel because their methods are what’s under question, she said.
To preserve a functioning ecosystem, organic farmers often retain some forest land on their property. Because this section of land is not directly used for agricultural purposes, B.C. Assessment classified it as residential for the 2007 assessment year.
Saanich mayor Frank Leonard, who co-chairs the panel, said organic farmers will have plenty of opportunity to give their input during public consultation, expected to begin in early summer. In choosing the panel, he and the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue prioritized representation across the province, rather than by types of farming.
“In terms of what people grow or how they grow wasn’t a criterion,” said Leonard. “(Popham) is being very unrealistic to think we were going to be able to accomplish that ... We don’t have anybody representing sour grapes either.”
Leonard said he hopes the panel comes up with a tax structure that inspires rather than punishes farmers.
“Farming is an important part of the economy but it’s also one of the values that we cherish within this province.”
On Feb. 29, Minister Rick Thorpe announced the nine panelists, with a tenth to be announced mid-month. The panel comprises two representatives of B.C. Assessment (a board member and former appraiser), two elected officials (the mayor of Richmond and the regional director of the Peace River district) and five farmers (four livestock and one agri-tourism).
The panel will conclude its review by July 31, 2009 which means its recommendations won’t be on time to influence the 2008 tax year. While the panel can make interim suggestions, Saanich MLA David Cubberley is concerned farmers may end up paying higher split-class taxes for the 2007 and 2008 tax years.
“It would be absolutely unacceptable for it to continue into another assessment cycle and for people to pay this money,” said Cubberley. “Some people will be driven out. That’s just a fact.”
In the meantime, most of the reclassified farmers have appealed their property assessments and are awaiting a decision from an independent appeal board, expected in the coming weeks.
To give your feedback to the review panel, e-mail farmassessmentreview@gov.bc.ca.
rholmen@saanichnews.com
Review deadline too late for next year’s tax bills
If fresh, local produce tops your priority list, you may have to start sourcing from farther afield.
The fate of Saanich farmers whose livelihood is threatened by higher taxes is in the hands of a newly-appointed farm review panel.
The 10-member panel was appointed to evaluate B.C. Assessment’s decision to reclassify 97 Saanich farms as split farm-residential, resulting in significant tax hikes for the farmers.
Many of these farms are organic, though not one of the panelists farms organically, said Lana Popham, an outspoken advocate for small lot farms and owner of the Barking Dog Vineyard in Saanich. Organic farms need to be represented on the panel because their methods are what’s under question, she said.
To preserve a functioning ecosystem, organic farmers often retain some forest land on their property. Because this section of land is not directly used for agricultural purposes, B.C. Assessment classified it as residential for the 2007 assessment year.
Saanich mayor Frank Leonard, who co-chairs the panel, said organic farmers will have plenty of opportunity to give their input during public consultation, expected to begin in early summer. In choosing the panel, he and the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue prioritized representation across the province, rather than by types of farming.
“In terms of what people grow or how they grow wasn’t a criterion,” said Leonard. “(Popham) is being very unrealistic to think we were going to be able to accomplish that ... We don’t have anybody representing sour grapes either.”
Leonard said he hopes the panel comes up with a tax structure that inspires rather than punishes farmers.
“Farming is an important part of the economy but it’s also one of the values that we cherish within this province.”
On Feb. 29, Minister Rick Thorpe announced the nine panelists, with a tenth to be announced mid-month. The panel comprises two representatives of B.C. Assessment (a board member and former appraiser), two elected officials (the mayor of Richmond and the regional director of the Peace River district) and five farmers (four livestock and one agri-tourism).
The panel will conclude its review by July 31, 2009 which means its recommendations won’t be on time to influence the 2008 tax year. While the panel can make interim suggestions, Saanich MLA David Cubberley is concerned farmers may end up paying higher split-class taxes for the 2007 and 2008 tax years.
“It would be absolutely unacceptable for it to continue into another assessment cycle and for people to pay this money,” said Cubberley. “Some people will be driven out. That’s just a fact.”
In the meantime, most of the reclassified farmers have appealed their property assessments and are awaiting a decision from an independent appeal board, expected in the coming weeks.
To give your feedback to the review panel, e-mail farmassessmentreview@gov.bc.ca.
rholmen@saanichnews.com
By Roszan Holmen - Saanich News - March 07, 2008
Review deadline too late for next year’s tax bills
If fresh, local produce tops your priority list, you may have to start sourcing from farther afield.
The fate of Saanich farmers whose livelihood is threatened by higher taxes is in the hands of a newly-appointed farm review panel.
The 10-member panel was appointed to evaluate B.C. Assessment’s decision to reclassify 97 Saanich farms as split farm-residential, resulting in significant tax hikes for the farmers.
Many of these farms are organic, though not one of the panelists farms organically, said Lana Popham, an outspoken advocate for small lot farms and owner of the Barking Dog Vineyard in Saanich. Organic farms need to be represented on the panel because their methods are what’s under question, she said.
To preserve a functioning ecosystem, organic farmers often retain some forest land on their property. Because this section of land is not directly used for agricultural purposes, B.C. Assessment classified it as residential for the 2007 assessment year.
Saanich mayor Frank Leonard, who co-chairs the panel, said organic farmers will have plenty of opportunity to give their input during public consultation, expected to begin in early summer. In choosing the panel, he and the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue prioritized representation across the province, rather than by types of farming.
“In terms of what people grow or how they grow wasn’t a criterion,” said Leonard. “(Popham) is being very unrealistic to think we were going to be able to accomplish that ... We don’t have anybody representing sour grapes either.”
Leonard said he hopes the panel comes up with a tax structure that inspires rather than punishes farmers.
“Farming is an important part of the economy but it’s also one of the values that we cherish within this province.”
On Feb. 29, Minister Rick Thorpe announced the nine panelists, with a tenth to be announced mid-month. The panel comprises two representatives of B.C. Assessment (a board member and former appraiser), two elected officials (the mayor of Richmond and the regional director of the Peace River district) and five farmers (four livestock and one agri-tourism).
The panel will conclude its review by July 31, 2009 which means its recommendations won’t be on time to influence the 2008 tax year. While the panel can make interim suggestions, Saanich MLA David Cubberley is concerned farmers may end up paying higher split-class taxes for the 2007 and 2008 tax years.
“It would be absolutely unacceptable for it to continue into another assessment cycle and for people to pay this money,” said Cubberley. “Some people will be driven out. That’s just a fact.”
In the meantime, most of the reclassified farmers have appealed their property assessments and are awaiting a decision from an independent appeal board, expected in the coming weeks.
To give your feedback to the review panel, e-mail farmassessmentreview@gov.bc.ca.
rholmen@saanichnews.com
Review deadline too late for next year’s tax bills
If fresh, local produce tops your priority list, you may have to start sourcing from farther afield.
The fate of Saanich farmers whose livelihood is threatened by higher taxes is in the hands of a newly-appointed farm review panel.
The 10-member panel was appointed to evaluate B.C. Assessment’s decision to reclassify 97 Saanich farms as split farm-residential, resulting in significant tax hikes for the farmers.
Many of these farms are organic, though not one of the panelists farms organically, said Lana Popham, an outspoken advocate for small lot farms and owner of the Barking Dog Vineyard in Saanich. Organic farms need to be represented on the panel because their methods are what’s under question, she said.
To preserve a functioning ecosystem, organic farmers often retain some forest land on their property. Because this section of land is not directly used for agricultural purposes, B.C. Assessment classified it as residential for the 2007 assessment year.
Saanich mayor Frank Leonard, who co-chairs the panel, said organic farmers will have plenty of opportunity to give their input during public consultation, expected to begin in early summer. In choosing the panel, he and the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue prioritized representation across the province, rather than by types of farming.
“In terms of what people grow or how they grow wasn’t a criterion,” said Leonard. “(Popham) is being very unrealistic to think we were going to be able to accomplish that ... We don’t have anybody representing sour grapes either.”
Leonard said he hopes the panel comes up with a tax structure that inspires rather than punishes farmers.
“Farming is an important part of the economy but it’s also one of the values that we cherish within this province.”
On Feb. 29, Minister Rick Thorpe announced the nine panelists, with a tenth to be announced mid-month. The panel comprises two representatives of B.C. Assessment (a board member and former appraiser), two elected officials (the mayor of Richmond and the regional director of the Peace River district) and five farmers (four livestock and one agri-tourism).
The panel will conclude its review by July 31, 2009 which means its recommendations won’t be on time to influence the 2008 tax year. While the panel can make interim suggestions, Saanich MLA David Cubberley is concerned farmers may end up paying higher split-class taxes for the 2007 and 2008 tax years.
“It would be absolutely unacceptable for it to continue into another assessment cycle and for people to pay this money,” said Cubberley. “Some people will be driven out. That’s just a fact.”
In the meantime, most of the reclassified farmers have appealed their property assessments and are awaiting a decision from an independent appeal board, expected in the coming weeks.
To give your feedback to the review panel, e-mail farmassessmentreview@gov.bc.ca.
rholmen@saanichnews.com
Monday, March 3, 2008
Finally we know....
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2008SBR0006-000269
Feb. 29, 2008
Ministry of Small Business and Revenue
FARM STATUS REVIEW PANEL MEMBERS APPOINTED
VICTORIA – Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for BC Assessment Rick Thorpe released the farm assessment review panel terms of reference and announced panel members today.
“With the terms of reference and the membership of the review panel confirmed, we are demonstrating our government’s commitment to sustainable farming communities,” said Thorpe. “The comprehensive review of farm assessment, in addition to our government’s recently announced Agriculture Plan, will ensure farming continues to be a healthy, vibrant sector.”
As part of the review provincewide, public consultations are expected to begin in early summer 2008. A dedicated website and toll free 1-800 number will be launched in advance of consultations, to accept public input. The review panel will provide government with a report and recommendations by July 31, 2009, for consideration for the 2010 Assessment Roll. The panel will also have the flexibility to provide government with interim recommendations.
Information on the Farm Assessment Review, including Terms of Reference and opportunities for public input is available at www.sbr.gov.bc.ca and clicking on Farm Assessment Review. Public input can also be submitted through email at: farmassessmentreview@gov.bc.ca.
“Panel members bring experience from all regions of British Columbia and represent a diverse cross-section of agricultural communities in British Columbia.” said Saanich Mayor and assessment review panel co-chair, Frank Leonard. “I’m looking forward to working with our new panel members and hearing ideas and suggestions from across British Columbia.”
“I know this has been an ongoing issue in the Peace as well as other parts of British Columbia and I look forward to working with the review panel toward a solution,” said panel co-chair Blair Lekstrom, Peace River South MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. “These terms of reference will be an excellent guide for the panel as we work together with the farming community to keep our agriculture sector viable and strong.”
Thorpe announced the review of farm status assessment policy Dec. 17, 2007, and the review panel co-chairs were announced on Jan. 31, 2008. The review will be conducted by the newly announced panel, comprised of elected representatives from both local and provincial government, a cross-section of British Columbia’s agriculture community, and the board of BC Assessment.
-30-
1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media
contact:
Dave Crebo
Communications Director
250 387-4193
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
For Immediate Release
2008SBR0006-000269
Feb. 29, 2008
Ministry of Small Business and Revenue
FARM STATUS REVIEW PANEL MEMBERS APPOINTED
VICTORIA – Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for BC Assessment Rick Thorpe released the farm assessment review panel terms of reference and announced panel members today.
“With the terms of reference and the membership of the review panel confirmed, we are demonstrating our government’s commitment to sustainable farming communities,” said Thorpe. “The comprehensive review of farm assessment, in addition to our government’s recently announced Agriculture Plan, will ensure farming continues to be a healthy, vibrant sector.”
As part of the review provincewide, public consultations are expected to begin in early summer 2008. A dedicated website and toll free 1-800 number will be launched in advance of consultations, to accept public input. The review panel will provide government with a report and recommendations by July 31, 2009, for consideration for the 2010 Assessment Roll. The panel will also have the flexibility to provide government with interim recommendations.
Information on the Farm Assessment Review, including Terms of Reference and opportunities for public input is available at www.sbr.gov.bc.ca and clicking on Farm Assessment Review. Public input can also be submitted through email at: farmassessmentreview@gov.bc.ca.
“Panel members bring experience from all regions of British Columbia and represent a diverse cross-section of agricultural communities in British Columbia.” said Saanich Mayor and assessment review panel co-chair, Frank Leonard. “I’m looking forward to working with our new panel members and hearing ideas and suggestions from across British Columbia.”
“I know this has been an ongoing issue in the Peace as well as other parts of British Columbia and I look forward to working with the review panel toward a solution,” said panel co-chair Blair Lekstrom, Peace River South MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. “These terms of reference will be an excellent guide for the panel as we work together with the farming community to keep our agriculture sector viable and strong.”
Thorpe announced the review of farm status assessment policy Dec. 17, 2007, and the review panel co-chairs were announced on Jan. 31, 2008. The review will be conducted by the newly announced panel, comprised of elected representatives from both local and provincial government, a cross-section of British Columbia’s agriculture community, and the board of BC Assessment.
-30-
1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media
contact:
Dave Crebo
Communications Director
250 387-4193
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
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