2014 Land Awards Winner: Agricultural Land Use Inventory Program, Ministry of Agriculture

The Strengthening Farms Program is working to create a comprehensive inventory of agricultural land that helps government agencies understand how land is actually being used. Data is collected on a parcel by parcel basis, providing information on the type of agricultural and non-agricultural land uses, types of irrigation, and what land is potentially available for future food production. Current, accurate data allows decision makers to make realistic plans and policies related to the protection of agricultural land. It can also be integrated with other information – related to soil and climate change, for example – to help with emergency planning, water management and other essential activities. Since this work began in 2006, 32 communities have benefitted directly by using the inventories as a basis for their agricultural area and economic development plans.