Agriculture

Elements area

Taxonomy

Subjects

Code

Scope note(s)

  • Includes: farming and ranching; agribusiness; horticulture and gardening; agricultural academic research; agricultural professional groups; agricultural cooperatives and organizations; irrigation; agricultural fairs and markets.

Source note(s)

  • MemoryBC Subject Groups

Display note(s)

    Hierarchical terms

    Agriculture

      Equivalent terms

      Agriculture

        Associated terms

        Agriculture

          912 Archival description results for Agriculture

          912 results directly related Exclude narrower terms
          Slide Collection
          2020.4.8.1 · Subseries · 1968-2013
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Gary Runka was a hobbyist photographer and documented his work and personal life through photography as he travelled across every region of British Columbia. This slide collection documents the evolution of British Columbia communities and regions over a 30 year period. Gary Runka's core interest was land and changing land uses. Many of these slides tell a story of urban edge and/or natural resource compatibility/conflict. There are also a substantial number of slides related to soils, including soil profiles, soil erosion and land (topography, drainage etc.) capability for agriculture. The collection also includes specific client-related photos, tied to Land Sense Ltd. client file job numbers.

          The collection also documents personal travels and hiking trips throughout British Columbia and backpacking in some historic areas, such as West Coast Trail and Cape Scott. These slides also represent land evolution over time, including extent of alpine glaciation or biodiversity/plant species inhabiting the area.
          Small Farm
          Small Farm
          2012.13.1.63.16 · Item · Aug 1989
          Part of J. Kent Sedgwick fonds

          Image depicts an aerial view of what appears to be a small farm, possibly in the McGregor Canyon.
          Speeches
          2020.4.2.1 · Subseries · 1969-2009
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Subseries consists of speeches written and delivered by G. Gary Runka over the course of his career. Runka's earliest speeches relate to the Canada Land Inventory. While at the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), Runka was often asked to present to various audiences on BC's unique agricultural land preservation program, the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). After leaving the ALC and setting up Land Sense Ltd., Runka continued to make presentations on the ALR, both specifically and in the context of rural land use conflict in general. Runka's key message was very consistent - the importance of first understanding the inherent biophysical messages of the land; then recognizing the complex challenges of sorting out who gets to use which rural lands for what purposes. Runka's speeches were often accompanied with 35mm slides from his slide collection. Unfortunately, however, the speeches do not include a listing of the slides that were used, although a notebook remains that contains references to slides used in presentations.
          Speeches and Publications
          2020.4.2 · Series · 1945-2009
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Series consists of works written or collected by G. Gary Runka.

          The 2020.4.2.1 Speeches sub-series includes manuscripts of speeches written by G. Gary Runka.

          The 2020.4.2.2 G. Gary Runka Writing sub-series includes publications, manuscripts, and drafts of worked written, co-written, or edited by G. Gary Runka over the course of his career.

          The 2020.4.2.3 Collected Works sub-series includes works collected by G. Gary Runka. Runka collected a comprehensive resource library of publications, reports, and rare grey literature that reflected the depth and breadth of natural resource issues in British Columbia. Material from this resource library was intrinsically tied to Runka's work; selected unique items from the resource library are contained within this sub-series to contextualize the scope of land management issues.
          Speeches by W. Arthur Benson
          2020.4.2.3.037 · File · [1972?]
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          File consists of transcripts of speeches by W. Arthur Benson entitled "Demands for and of the Land" and "Land Information and its Relevance to Planning".
          Symposium on Urban Growth and the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALC 20th Year Celebration)
          2020.4.4.07 · File · 1993
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          File consists of records relating to the Agricultural Land Commission symposium "Urban Development and the ALRD: 'Up Not Out'" on March 9, 1993. Gary Runka attended as a speaker with the address "Agriculture in the Urban Shadow". Includes correspondence, symposium material, agenda, a copy of Ray Spaxman's speech "Urban Form in a Sustainable Region", attendee folder, notes, and background material. Also includes Agricultural Land Commission 'Preserving our Foodlands' buttons.
          Tape 2 - Dec. 10, 1993 - 1:45-5:00
          2020.4.6.360.02 · Item · 10 Dec. 1993
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Audio cassette titled "Tape 2 - Dec. 10, 1993 - 1:45-5:00" is believed to be an audio recording of a workshop for the East Kootenay CORE project.
          Tape 3 - Dec. 10, 1993 - 5:00-
          2020.4.6.360.03 · Item · 10 Dec. 1993
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Audio cassette titled "Tape 3 - Dec. 10, 1993 - 5:00-" is believed to be an audio recording of a workshop for the East Kootenay CORE project.
          Tape 5: 2:45-4:05
          2020.4.6.425.1 · Item · 1996
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Audio cassette titled "Tape 5: 2:45-4:05" is believed to contain a recording of a workshop related to the Vernon commonage project.
          Tape 6: 4:05-5:10
          2020.4.6.425.2 · Item · 1996
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Audio cassette titled "Tape 6: 4:05-5:10" is believed to contain a recording of a workshop related to the Vernon commonage project.
          Tape 7: 5:10-5:50
          2020.4.6.425.3 · Item · 1996
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Audio cassette titled "Tape 7: 5:10-5:50" is believed to contain a recording of a workshop related to the Vernon commonage project.
          Taped conversation with Julian Fry transcript
          2009.5.4.60 · Item · May 1981
          Part of Taylor-Baxter Family Photograph Collection

          Julian Fry reminisces on his early life and acquaintances in Prince George during his work along the Blackwater Road in the early 1920's. Some notable references include: Blackwater Road, C.F.S. Baldy Hughes, Bill Comstock, Tom Cornell, Duncan MacKenzie, Ernest Levesque, [?] Hathaway, [?] Nelson, Ed and Julia Erickson, Blackwater Telegraph Station, Everett Vandenburg, and [?] Mackenzie.
          Taped interview with Harold Dude Lavington
          2006.9.23 · File · 13 October 1983
          Part of Bob Harkins fonds

          File consists of 1 audiocassette of interview by Gil McCall of CIBC FM Radio with rancher and author Harold Dude Lavington who discusses ranching life and the publication of his books.
          Taped interviews by Bob Harkins with B. Hollinger, K. Stratton, B. Harrower, A. Dornbierer, K. Bersohn, R. Thorsen, K. Matthews, B. Martin and V. Litnosky
          2006.9.12 · File · 1977
          Part of Bob Harkins fonds

          File consists of 1 audiocassette of people interviewed by Bob Harkins. Side A consists of interviews on a number of topics. Bart Hollinger discusses energy alternatives; Kerri Stratton conductor of the New Caledonia Symphony; Betty Harrower discussing the United Way activities; August Dornbierer discussing history of the PG Fire Department, and Ken Bernsohn discussing his career as a freelance writer. Side B consists of interviews with Ron Thorsen discussing athletics at the College of New Caledonia, Kathrine Mathews of the Elder Citizens' Recreation Society, Bob Martin alderman on his upcoming campaign for mayor and Vic Litnosky also a mayoral candidate in the 1977 election.
          Taseko Mines Limited Transmission Line Mosaics
          2020.4.9.2.16 · File · 2008
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          This CD-ROM contains digital records collected by Gary Runka during his consultancy work for client job 650, Canoe Creek Indian Band's "Overview of Issues and Concerns Related to Transmission Line Corridor Component" project. Includes three PDF format maps prepared by AXYS Ltd. for Taseko Mines Ltd. Prosperity Project depicting "Taseko Transmission Corridor Orthophotography".
          "The Agricultural Land Reserve: Protecting B.C.'s Farmland"
          2020.4.4.18 · Item · 1979
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Item is an original copy of a 1979 promotional booklet produced by the BC Agricultural Land Commission entitled "The Agricultural Land Reserve: Protecting B.C.'s Farmland". The booklet was prepared for the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission by J.M. Sawicki. Photographs by G.G. Runka.
          "The BC Agricultural Land Preservation Experience" speech by Gary Runka
          "The BC Agricultural Land Preservation Experience" speech by Gary Runka
          2020.4.2.1.35 · File · Sept. 1979
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka entitled "The BC Agricultural Land Preservation Experience" to the Canadian Agricultural Extension Council Conference in Kelowna.

          Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
          "This speech represents a major paper that reiterates historical themes concerning the legislative initiative, B.C's very limited area available for agricultural production and the designation of the ALR plans.

          GGR emphasizes that the main criteria when considering applications under the ALC Act is the soil/climate capability for agriculture. He mentions that the actual designation of the ALR and its subsequent refinement was fairly straight-forward but: "Much more difficult is the task that we are now facing, to make the right land-use decisions within the agricultural zone and encourage good land-use planning adjacent to it in order to accomplish the stated objectives."

          GGR remarks that the ALC Act is based on the assumption that there are alternatives to farmland for urban uses and he personally agrees that alternatives do exist in almost all cases but he cautions: "But, the ability and willingness to go in these other directions necessitates a radical change in thinking on the part of governments, private industry, real estate interests, and the general public. It also demands an acceptance of the fact that agricultural land preservation is in British Columbia to stay and it assumes a commitment to preserve the agricultural industry as being in our own long term best interests. Some vibrations tell me we still have not quite made the grade in this area." These words were spoken by the Chair of the ALC 36 years ago and could be as appropriately be spoken by any of the subsequent ALC's Chairs to this day.

          Competing land uses are listed and guidelines on expected policy content in Official Settlement Plans developed under the Municipal Act aimed at the protection of agricultural land and agriculture are noted.

          Three examples are provided of studies to explore alternate areas of growth along with work on dealing with impact issues (edge/interface planning). GGR emphasizes the challenge of dealing with other governmental agencies and ends by outlining 3 general approaches to look at land needs, land uses and resource planning:

          1. Make land use decision based on the inherent natural characteristics rather than protecting land values or simply accommodating growth;
          2. The Fall 1977 amendments to the Act allowing greater Cabinet involvement will test the program but also emphasizes the importance of shared decision making; and
          3. The ALC Act has defined a land use priority and a direction around which all others can plan and there is a need for a national land use policy that GGR supports."
          "The Bog Forests"
          2020.4.2.3.051 · Item · 1980
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          Item is a 1980 paper entitled "The Bog Forests" by the Corporation of the Township of Richmond Environmental Control Officer and Planning Department.
          "The British Columbia Agricultural Land Preservation Program" speech and article by Gary Runka
          "The British Columbia Agricultural Land Preservation Program" speech and article by Gary Runka
          2020.4.2.1.23 · File · 1977-1978
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka entitled "B.C. Agricultural Land Preservation Program". This speech was originally given on March 23, 1977 at the Sol Conservation Society of America National Symposium. Includes a version of the speech turned into a paper submitted for publication as "British Columbia's Agricultural Land Preservation Program" in the Assessors Journal. The speech and paper is accompanied by:

          • supplementary transparencies for presentation
          • Resume for G. Gary Runka
          • Canada Land Inventory Ratings
          • Summary of Applications Processed under the Land Commission Act
          • Areas Included and Excluded from the ALR by Year
          • Flow Chart for Applications under the Agricultural Land Commission Act

          Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
          "This speech was given on March 23, 1977 and represents a major paper given to an international audience.

          GGR provides a contextual overview of B.C. and breaks his speech into an overview of the legislation, how the ALR was established and the administration of the Reserve.

          The speech, in part, draws upon themes in other speeches but this paper tends to pull all these subjects together in this single presentation.

          GGR notes that up to this point 80% of the exclusion applications are from non-farmers and it is estimated that the program has saved 40,000 acres (16,187 ha.) of farmland from being converted to irreversible uses.

          GGR outlines several key principles to having a successful program to preserve agricultural land including:

          • Regulations must be based on solid technical data people can understand;
          • Any control mechanism needs to be basically apolitical;
          • Must include shared decision-making - local governments and the public were involved in creating the ALR plans and local governments continue to provide comments and recommendations on applications; and
          • Ensure opportunity for integration and communication with the Ministry of Agriculture and other provincial government agencies and Advisory Committees of the B.C. Federation of Agriculture.

          This speech was published as part of the symposium proceedings: "Land Use, Tough Choices in Today's World: The Proceedings of a
          National Symposium, March 21-24,1977, in Omaha, Nebraska" by the Soil Conservation Society of America."
          "The British Columbia Experience" speech by Gary Runka
          "The British Columbia Experience" speech by Gary Runka
          2020.4.2.1.28 · File · Oct. 1978
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka entitled "The British Columbia Experience" for the Planning for Rural Growth event in Whatcom County, Bellingham, Washington.

          Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
          "This is an important overview document of the farmland preservation program, summarizing the situation after about 6 years since the program's introduction.

          There are several interesting points made in the paper - which was given to a non-BC / Canadian audience. A sample of these points included:

          • The ALR is based on ecological characteristics of the land and this was very important to the ALR's
            success;
          • The ALR is a long term zone;
          • The legislation is not enough - the ALR will not be secure until agriculture and the farming community become an integral part of planning at every level;
          • The Langley Properties and work of the Property Management Branch which re-surveying the properties into viable commercial farm units;
          • Conflicting priorities of provincial agencies create difficulties;

          GGR observes that the Commission has the opportunity "... to have provincial input into planning for agriculture." This is an action, that in due course, the Commission would play a leadership role."
          "The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process" speech by Gary Runka to the BC Federation of Naturalists
          "The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process" speech by Gary Runka to the BC Federation of Naturalists
          2020.4.2.1.06 · File · Mar. 1972
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka to the BC Federation of Naturalists in Vernon entitled "The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process".

          Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
          "This speech largely avoids technical detail and an outlining of the mechanics of land capability analysis but does provide several practical examples that allow for a better understanding of the application of the analytical work.

          The summary on page 11 is particularly important (in part):
          "Planning must anticipate desirable land use patterns, not merely react to the pressure of short run expedients. Above all else let's not forget that land use planning should be people-oriented as well as resources-oriented. Hopefully, facts rather than short term
          economics, politics, or emotions will play an increasing role in decision-making."

          The speech was accompanied by slides.

          (Note: Via a handwritten amendment the title was changed from "Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process" to 'The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process"
          "The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process" speech by Gary Runka to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee
          "The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Planning Process" speech by Gary Runka to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee
          2020.4.2.1.07 · File · 14 Nov. 1972
          Part of G. Gary Runka fonds

          File consists of a speech given by Gary Runka to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Environment Committee entitled "The Canada Land Inventory, Land Capability Analysis and the Chamber of Commerce".

          Commentary on this speech by Barry Smith of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands:
          "GGR makes the point in opening that the Chamber of Commerce may not be a group the public normally associates with concern for the environment but he feels it is time to correct this fallacy.

          This speech is of value, if for nothing else, for the outline provided of the origin of the Canada Land Inventory (page 2).

          Interestingly in the light of a future Land Commission publication, GGR uses the phrase "...with proper inventory information perhaps we would have left some of our options open". The 15 page B.C. Land Commission booklet published in March 1975 [was titled 'The B.C. Land Commission: Keeping the Options Open']."