Photo: File photo

Eric Foster has some concerns about farm land.

The Vernon-Monashee MLA is concerned changes to Agricultural Land Commission rules will negatively impact farm families.

During a presentation to the Regional District of North Okanagan last week, Foster touched on new rules regarding residences within the ALR.

"This is hurting family farms. It makes it difficult for families to stay together," said Foster, noting additional residences will not be allowed, and neither will detached suites and manufactured homes for family members.

And for principal residences, the total floor area must not exceed 500 square metres.

Foster says he supports some regulations regarding the location and size of residences on agricultural land, but the new policies are out of step with farm activities in the North Okanagan.

Most RDNO directors are concerned about the rules as well.

"We have a bunch of bureaucrats on a power trip telling me how to develop my property," said Rick Fairbairn, a rancher and rural Lumby director.

Fairbairn added that while the ALC is responding to concerns about monster homes on farm land in the Fraser Valley, "one size (regulations) does not fit all," in the rest of the province.

- with files from The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce