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)Loading
In 2024 Kwantlen Polytech University undertook soil analysis, assisted with winter cover crop planning and provided expertise and direction on enhancing agricultural activities and soil health for the long-term. With the baseline soil health assessment completed, the city has provided financial support for Greenway Farms to implement a winter cover crop program, which was successfully implemented fall 2025. The intent is to undertake multiple cover crop cycles and reassess soil productivity in future years (e.g., 2029) to gauge long-term benefits.
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 initial funding through the Local Government Climate Action Program implementation of the plan’s recommendations have been underway. This includes a study (completed December 2024) in partnership with Kwantlen Polytech University’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems and Greenway Farms to create a baseline assessment of soil productivity, ecosystem services and carbon sequestration at the City’s largest actively farmed park (Mound Farm Park). As of fall 2025, with support from Surrey Parks, Greenway Farms successfully implemented a winter cover crop at Mound Farm Park. A reassessment of soil productivity and carbon sequestration values is planned after subsequent winter cover crop cycles. 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 conservation on agricultural land in the Fraser delta).