First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun Agricultural Business Plan

First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun Agricultural Business Plan


(2022)

The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun (NND) based in Mayo, Yukon, has requested the services of Upland Agricultural Consulting to develop a plan for their farm property. The resulting end deliverable will provide a set of NND-specific recommendations for new agricultural business endeavours.

The main goals of the Plan are to:

  • Determine the agricultural viability of the farm site;
  • Increase the amount of, and access to, locally grown and produced food;
  • Examine economic opportunities related to food production; and
  • Provide rehabilitation and horticultural therapy as a co-benefit of agricultural enterprise.

For the purposes of this feasibility assessment, the following assumptions were made:

  • There are dual objectives of 1) revenue-generating economic development and 2) community amenity benefits (healthy food for community members) that are related to this project.
  • While there is a relatively large amount of potentially productive land available, the business development opportunities analysis must also focus on economic scale, capacity, and feasibility.
  • The opportunity to partner with neighbouring communities and existing organizations from outside the community should also be considered.

Fort Nelson First Nation Agricultural Feasibility Assessment

Fort Nelson First Nation Agricultural Feasibility Assessment

(2021-2023)

Upland Agricultural Consulting is working with Fort Nelson First Nation and Tu Deh Kah Geothermal to explore commercial agricultural endeavours available to the community. The project is examining if, and how, a community-led geothermal project could contribute to future agricultural greenhouse and fields production scenarios. The project involves facilitating a Project Steering Committee, liaising with the TDK Board, and developing business plans for several production scenarios. Community-based food security workshops (including canning, salves, and foraging) are also a part of the scope of this project.

The project is being funded by the Federal Indigenous Agriculture Food Security Initiative (IAFSI) through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Nisga’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw Food Security Plan – Phase 1

Nisga'a Village of Gitwinksihlkw Food Security Project - Phase 1

(2021)

The Nisga'a Village of Gitwinksihlkw Food Security Project sought to understand the current realities of food security in Gitwinksihlkw and provide recommendations towards supporting and enhancing food security that are at the intersection of health, cultural traditions, jobs, business opportunities, and sustainable practices. The project involved engaging the community and conduct a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis. The objective of the assessment was to provide a well-informed foundation for a future, larger in-depth agriculture and food study in the area. This initial report culminated in a set of recommended actions for initiating community-led food and agriculture projects.

Upon completion, the Nisga'a village of Gitwinksihlkw was successful in securing federal funding to complete the Agriculture Assets and Opportunities Study, for which Upland was also contracted.

Salmon Arm Métis Association Food Security Plan

Salmon Arm Métis Association Food Security Assessment

(2022)

The Salmon Arm Métis Association (SAMA) Food Security Assessment aimed at identifying the needs of the community and finding opportunities to improve the food security of its members within the SAMA region. The Assessment considered the many food assets and cultural traditions within the SAMA community, as well as the needs and interests of SAMA community members and was crucial in ensuring food security at both the community and household level for SAMA members. The assessment resulted in a set of 8 recommendations to improve food security.

Developing the SAMA Food Security Assessment included comprehensive background research which involved a scan of relevant policies, community health profiles, statistical information and reports. This was followed by a situational analysis was completed by gathering information on past and current food and agriculture initiatives in the community. Subsequently, engagement with individuals and organizations in the Salmon Arm area and Métis community area took place through interviews and a survey to better understand the experience of community members as well as the agri-food resources available to them.

Southern Stl’atl’imx Agricultural Opportunities Assessment

Southern Stl'atl'imx Agricultural Opportunities Assessment

(2020)

Upland Agricultural Consulting worked closely with the Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society and members of the Southern Stl'atl'imx communities (N’Quatqua, Samahquam, Skatin and Xa’xtsa (Douglas)) to identify opportunities to reinforce and grow the food system. The Assessment considers current food and agricultural initiatives within the four Southern Stl'atl'imx communities and provides recommendations towards supporting and enhancing food production options that are viable within the intersection of community health, wellness, business opportunities, and sustainable practices. The assessment involved exploring land availability for supporting agricultural activities, describing current food system projects within the communities, engaging with community members on desirable projects, and making recommendations to build upon current initiatives and future opportunities. The development and implementation of the Southern Stl'atl'imx Agricultural Opportunities Assessment is an important step for the Southern Stl'atl'imx communities, the Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society, local schools and Chiefs and Councils to work together towards food sovereignty and greater food security.

Lytton First Nation Agricultural Opportunities Assessment

Lytton First Nation Agricultural Opportunities Assessment


(2018)

The Lytton First Nation Agricultural Opportunities Assessment and Food Hub Feasibility Study provides recommendations regarding viable crop scenarios and includes a robust and scalable governance and financial model for the food hub framework. The primary goal of the Plan is to assist local farmers in saving time and money by selling their products collectively. Resources, including staff and equipment, would be shared to minimize overhead and operational costs.

This report provides a detailed explanation of the assumptions and recommendations that are demonstrated in the financial projections, which has been developed in a conservative manner. The financial plan includes an estimate of job opportunities, cash flow projection, promotion and branding.

Kitsumkalum First Nation Agri-Food Opportunities and Business Plan

Kitsumkalum First Nation Agricultural Opportunities and Business Plan


(2019-2020)

The Kitsumkalum Nation retained Upland to complete an Agri-food Opportunities and Feasibility Assessment to identify opportunities to increase food production in the Kitsumkalum community and determine economic opportunities for agriculture. Several reports were completed throughout the project process, including a background scan of the local and regional food system and an assessment of the biophysical and agricultural capacity of the land. The findings of this project rank the suitable agricultural uses for several sites, taking into consideration site characteristics and accessibility, capital investments for site improvements, market conditions and the goals of the Kitsumkalum community. Three agri-food opportunities are identified and recommended for the Kitsumkalum to pursue and implementation strategies are outlined: one that enhances food security, one that utilizes land for primary crop production, and one that creates value-added products from traditional plants.

Lil’wat Nation Agricultural Opportunities Implementation and Business Plan

Lil'wat Nation Agricultural Opportunities Implementation and Business Plan


(2019-2020)

This Agricultural Implementation and Business Plan provides an assessment of opportunities and a business plan for Lil’wat Nation to increase the amount of, and access to, locally grown and produced food. The resulting farm operation will develop agriculture as an economic driver, while also conferring social and health benefits for the community. The Plan was completed in multiple phases of research, which included a background situational analysis of the local food system, an assessment of agricultural opportunities and crop feasibility, business plans for several crop types, and a final overall implementation strategy.

For more information visit the Lil'wat Nation website.

SLRD Area B, District of Lillooet, and St’at’imc Agricultural Plan

Squamish Lillooet Regional District Area B Agricultural Plan

(2013-2014)

This Agricultural Plan is unique amongst agricultural plans in BC in that it was developed with extensive input from local indigenous community members. Significant input was also gathered from agricultural community stakeholders and the public - this is a plan made for and by the community.

In 2016, the Agricultural Plan was recognized with a Real Estate Foundation of BC Land Award (Public Sector category) for excellence in land use planning. Download the News Release, and check out the video below to learn more about the planning process.

The plan provides a vision statement, key priorities and recommended actions towards planning for agriculture in the SLRD Area B, District of Lillooet, and Northern St’at’imc territory. It also includes an implementation strategy with performance indicators to monitor and a list of funding opportunities.

Link to Part 1: Background Report - link to project page and link to final report (PDF)

Link to Part 2:  Recommended Actions and Implementation Strategy - link to project page and link to final report (PDF)

 

Tsain-Ko (Sechelt Indian Band) Agricultural Opportunities Assessment

Tsain-Ko (Sechelt Indian Band) Agricultural Opportunities Assessment

(2017)

Tsain-Ko requested the services of Upland Agricultural Consulting to provide a biophysical review of land within its territory to determine which parcels could be viable for food production. The study was narrowed to 4 parcels and crop plans and associated business plans were developed for each site.