Agriculture
Agriculture is a historic activity in Maple Ridge and has been an important contributor to the economic base which helped shape the culture of this community. Lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) make up over 3,600 hectares (9,000 acres), where 25% of total farms fall outside of the designated ALR.
This sector is a unique mix of specialized small and niche market production and large scale production of high value products, including tree seedlings and berry production. There are opportunities in new food processing and specialty food products in conjunction with small farm operations. The processing industry as a whole is moving towards fewer, larger and more specialized processing facilities. Specialty and ethnic product markets are growing and could create a new wave of small-scale processing. Direct farm marketing and agri-tourism are two other emerging growth areas occurring in Maple Ridge.
Maple Ridge believes in agriculture and related businesses as a preferred sector. The Community is very supportive of investment in this sector. If you are interested in learning more about investment opportunities related to agriculture, please contact the Economic Development Department.
Fast Facts:
(Census of Agriculture, 2000)
- 237 Farms
- $39.2 million gross farm receipts
- $32.9 million farm expenditures
- 780 - 1040 full and part time jobs
Agriculture Profile
|
Activity Measures |
Number |
% of Total |
| Total Labour Force | 33,380 | 100% |
| Agriculture/Forestry Labour Force | 485 | 1.5% |
| Agriculture Businesses Licences | 18 | 0.8% |
| Average Personal Income 2001) - Farming | $28,795 | - |
| Number of Farms (20010 | 237 | - |
| Total Farm Area (2001) (hectares) | 3,990 | - |
| Total Farm Receipts (2001) (millions) | $39 | - |