Cowichan’s agricultural sector is rooted in deep knowledge, resilient communities, and a growing appetite for sustainable, land-based livelihoods. But as the national farming population continues to age and shrink, a new report signals that much more must be done to support those stepping into the fields for the first time.
The 2025 National New Farmer Framework, released by Young Agrarians, outlines the urgent need to invest in “new” and equity-seeking farmers—those farming for 10 years or less, including Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomer, and youth producers. The numbers are sobering: Canada has lost over 70% of its young farmers since 1991, and only 8.6% of current farm operators are under 35. With 40% of all Canadian farmers expected to retire by 2033, the call for a coordinated, national approach to farm renewal has never been clearer.
For Cowichan, the report reflects what we already see on the ground:
Access to Land: One of the greatest challenges for new farmers is access to affordable farmland. The average cost per acre has increased by over 850% since 1991, with B.C. land values among the highest in the country. The Framework recommends scaling up land matching programs like the B.C. Land Matching Program already active in Cowichan, expanding Crown land leasing, and revising zoning to enable more diverse on-farm housing.
Access to Capital: Many new farmers lack the collateral or credit history to qualify for traditional loans. For Indigenous farmers on-reserve, legal barriers further block access to capital under the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act. The report calls for micro-loans and start-up grants tailored to early-stage farmers, and for financial institutions to offer more flexible, culturally safe lending tools.
Training & Mentorship: The Framework reinforces the value of hands-on, farmer-to-farmer learning—something Cowichan’s local networks already excel at. Programs like Young Agrarians’ Business Mentorship Network and paid on-farm Apprenticeships are helping fill this gap, but the report emphasizes the need for expanded public investment in extension services and support across the country.
Rural Infrastructure & Community Supports: From affordable childcare and housing to processing infrastructure and high-speed internet, the viability of small farms depends on broader rural resilience. The Framework links farm renewal to community vitality, and calls for targeted investment in rural infrastructure, mental health supports, and inclusive succession planning.
Many of the programs and principles featured in the Framework already have a home in Cowichan. But this national strategy presents an opportunity to deepen and scale those efforts—to support our region’s farmers not just at the start, but through every stage of growth.
The New Farmer Framework highlights the power of coordination—between government, non-profits, and local communities—to support the next generation of producers. In Cowichan, we’re well-positioned to be part of that story, strengthening the tools and partnerships that help new farmers thrive.
