Undertake a pilot project exploring the opportunity for soil carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture in the Agricultural Land Reserve
(Full action name in the CCAS)5. Climate-Positive Resilient Ecosystems / 5.2. Explore opportunities for regenerative agriculture and negative emissions / E7. Explore opportunities for negative emissions, especially through ecosystem restoration... /
E7.2Pilot soil carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture in the ALR
Progress
- Not started
- Planning
- Implementation
- Continuous
On time
A partnership agreement has been developed with Kwantlen Polytech University in 2024 to undertake soil analysis, assist with winter cover crop planning and provide expertise and direction on enhancing agricultural activities and soil health for the long-term. Funding has been secured for the first year, with the intent of the project running for 5 years. The first year report and analysis will be available in early 2025.
Official description
Description
Parkland in Surrey’s ALR: A comprehensive plan for agriculture was developed by Upland Agricultural Consulting, in consultation with key stakeholders in the City’s agriculture community. The plan will guide and inform broader agricultural planning objectives for existing and future parks in Surrey’s ALR. The plan also aligns with Metro Vancouver’s Agriculture and Healthy Food Systems and Climate 2050 Roadmap priorities.
With funding through the Local Government Climate Action Program implementation of the plan’s recommendations are underway. This includes a regenerative farming pilot project in partnership with Kwantlen Polytech University’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems and Greenway Farms to enhance soil productivity, ecosystem services and carbon sequestration through the use of winter cover cropping and other potential actions at the City’s largest actively farmed park (Mound Farm Park). Surrey is also actively involved in regional processes around agricultural stewardship and conservation (e.g., Fraser Delta Agricultural Stewardship Working Group, a working group to advance tree and stream protection on agricultural land in the Fraser Valley, Farmland Advantage program).