By ELSIE BORN
In a decision that has left many of us in the farming community stunned and disheartened, we recently lost a court case that will have far-reaching implications for anyone trying to make an honest living off the land.
This ruling is more than just a legal defeat; it’s a message to every farmer that our struggles and sacrifices mean little in the eyes of those who hold the power.
For years, we’ve heard rhetoric about the importance of local agriculture, of supporting farmers who provide food for our tables and care for the land that sustains us all. But when push came to shove, and our right to farm was challenged by those who find our way of life inconvenient, the court decided that we were the ones who had to change, not the people who lived next door and didn’t like the sounds, smells and realities of rural life.
This case was more than just a dispute over a few noisy animals or the occasional odour that drifts on the breeze. It was a test of whether farming could survive in a world increasingly hostile to the very things that make it possible. And let’s be clear — this was a benchmark case. The precedent set here is one that every farmer in this region, and beyond, should be worried about.
If you’re trying to farm, and your neighbours don’t like it, prepare yourself to make sacrifices — big ones. Because, as this ruling shows, there’s little to no support for you or your farm. Your livelihood, your way of life, and the food you produce are all secondary to the comfort of those who don’t understand, or don’t care, about what it takes to keep a farm running.
We didn’t just lose a court case; we lost a piece of our identity. Farming is not just a job; it’s a calling, a commitment to the land and future generations. But what happens when that calling is drowned out by the complaints of those who see farmland as nothing more than an extension of their own backyards?
This isn’t just about us. It’s about every farmer who wakes up before dawn, who works through long days and uncertain seasons. A farmer who fights to keep their farm afloat in the face of rising costs, changing regulations, and now, unsympathetic courts. We’ve been told to adapt, to modernize, to be more efficient. But now we’re being told to do the impossible — to farm without the very things that make farming possible.
The court may have spoken, but we can’t afford to remain silent. This ruling has put every farm at risk, and it’s time to ask ourselves what kind of community we want to be. Are we going to stand by and watch as farmers are pushed off their land, or are we going to fight for the right to farm, to live, and to work in a way that sustains us all?
The loss is bitter, and the future feels uncertain. But one thing is clear: if we don’t stand up now, there won’t be much left to fight for later.
If you want to be part of the dialogue or lend your support, consider attending the open house that the Salt Spring Local Community Commission is planning for September (date yet to be confirmed). For those passionate about bolstering our local food systems, writing to the Islands Trust and CRD can make a difference. And if you’re in a position to help, please think about donating to Alia and CJ. This has been an immensely costly and challenging experience for them and their family. Sentencing is slated for Friday, Aug. 30, with the CRD seeking an additional $7,000 in fines. You can contribute at gofund.me/e1d74fdc. Every bit of support counts.
This message is endorsed by the agriculture committee of the Salt Spring Island Farmers’ Institute.
The writer is president of the Salt Spring Island Poultry Club.