The short answer
What is the ALR?
The Agricultural Land Reserve is a provincial land-use designation established in 1973 to preserve BC's limited amount of agricultural land. Land in the ALR is intended to be kept available for farming and is administered by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), an independent provincial agency.
The ALR covers a small fraction of BC's total land area but includes much of the province's most productive farmland — particularly in the Fraser Valley, Okanagan and Vancouver Island.
Why ALR status matters when buying a farm
- Use restrictions: Non-farm uses of ALR land typically require ALC approval. This affects what you can build and do on the property.
- Subdivision limits: Subdividing ALR land usually requires approval and is often restricted, even where local zoning would allow it.
- Exclusion: Removing land from the ALR is possible but requires an application and is granted only in limited circumstances.
- Value: ALR status can lower development potential and therefore affect market value — but it also protects the land's long-term agricultural use.
How to check if a property is in the ALR
ALR status is not always obvious from a listing. Before buying, confirm whether a property is in the ALR and review any conditions. This is a standard part of farm due diligence.
- Review the title and property disclosure.
- Check with the Agricultural Land Commission's mapping tools.
- Ask your real estate professional and confirm with local government zoning.
ALR vs. zoning — what's the difference?
ALR
A provincial designation administered by the Agricultural Land Commission, focused on protecting agricultural land use.
Zoning
Local government (municipality or regional district) rules that set permitted uses, setbacks and density. Local zoning applies alongside ALR rules — both must be satisfied.
Where ALR land is concentrated in BC
The Agricultural Land Reserve protects much of BC's most productive farmland. These communities carry significant ALR acreage, making ALR status a central factor in every farm transaction there.
Abbotsford Farms
One of BC's most productive agricultural regions — dairy, poultry, blueberry and raspberry farms, greenhouses, equestrian and hobby acreages on rich ALR farmland.
View Abbotsford farmsSurrey Farms
Large ALR parcels, equestrian acreages, and mixed-use farmland across BC's fastest-growing municipality, close to Vancouver and US border distribution.
View Surrey farmsLangley Farms
Equestrian country — horse properties, vineyards, berry farms and rural lifestyle acreages with strong commuter access to Metro Vancouver.
View Langley farmsImportant: This information is educational only and is not legal, tax, financial or regulatory advice. ALR rules, water licensing, zoning and farm-classification requirements can change and depend on your specific property and circumstances. Always verify with the relevant BC authorities and qualified professionals before making decisions.