Opinion: Why B.C. must act now on Agricultural Water Reserves

Opinion: Without a protected water supply for agriculture, we risk losing local farms and, in turn, our ability to produce healthy, affordable and locally grown food.

Published Sep 17, 2024  •  Last updated 5 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Amid a B.C.-wide drought in July 2023, where corn plants in an Abbotsford field struggled to survive, farmers faced crop loss and feed shortages. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO /00101727A

Water is life. Without water, there is no food.

Our farmers, who work tirelessly to keep our grocery shelves stocked and ensure our tables are filled, depend on reliable and consistent access to water. Local producers need sufficient access to water to grow crops, feed livestock and maintain healthy soil. In times of drought or water scarcity, a lack of water directly threatens food production and jeopardizes the livelihoods of B.C. farmers.

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Even this past summer, when the worst of what was predicted didn’t come to pass, “hope it rains” is just not a winning long-term strategy.

Provincial food security hinges on predictable water availability. The impacts of climate change have disrupted this balance, casting doubt on the future of agriculture in B.C. For years, farmers have battled extreme weather conditions that are both unprecedented and unrelenting. Unpredictable and prolonged dry spells, heatwaves and water scarcity have severely hindered crop growth and forage availability for livestock.

Meanwhile, floods and wildfires have added insult to injury, wiping out crops and infrastructure in mere moments.

Protecting water access for agricultural purposes is essential to maintaining food security for current and future generations. With a provincial election on the horizon, now is the time to push for new policies to safeguard access to water for agricultural goods. In our view, candidates from all political parties must prioritize the establishment of an Agricultural Water Reserve (AWR) to ensure our farmers have the water they need to grow the food that feeds British Columbians.

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B.C. needs an Agricultural Water Reserve — a dedicated water supply for agricultural use during times of drought and water scarcity. Much like the Agricultural Land Reserve, which protects agricultural land from development, the AWR would prioritize water for farming, ensuring that agricultural production continues even in times of crisis.

The rationale for an Agricultural Water Reserve is clear — water for agricultural purposes must be treated with the same priority as drinking water. By setting aside a protected water supply for farming, we ensure that B.C.’s agricultural regions have access to this critical resource during times of drought.

An AWR wouldn’t only enhance food security in B.C., but also foster sustainability for future generations of farmers. In a province where agriculture is deeply ingrained in our communities and economies, providing farmers with reliable water access gives them the financial stability to survive, adapt and continue to thrive. Without this, we risk losing local farms  and, in turn, our ability to produce healthy, affordable and locally grown food.

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Reliable access to water should also be enshrined in legislation that recognizes agriculture as a distinct and essential category of water use.

At the farm level, we can support the development of large-scale water storage solutions, upgrade outdated water infrastructure and invest in new technologies that ensure water availability throughout the year.

These initiatives would allow farmers to store water during wetter periods and access it when dry spells strike, making them less vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

As British Columbians, we depend on local farmers to produce the food we consume every day. It’s in our collective interest to protect water access for these farmers, ensuring that our province remains resilient in the face of climate change. Establishing an Agricultural Water Reserve isn’t just good policy, it’s a promise to future generations that B.C. will continue to be a place where food is grown, and communities are nourished.

If we act now, we can ensure that our farmers have the water they need to keep B.C.’s food supply secure for years to come. As election season unfolds, let’s make it clear to all candidates: Food security starts with water security.

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Jeremy Dunn is general manager of the B.C. Dairy Association. Kevin Boon is GM of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Danielle Synotte is executive director of the B.C. Agriculture Council.

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