The Abbotsford Soil Conservation Association (ASCA) is a registered non-profit society that is directed by farmers for the continuing benefit of farmers, the community, and the environment. 

The ASCA has been working with Abbotsford farmers and surrounding areas since 1990, responding to concerns over soil management issues such as, erosion from wind and water, accumulation and loss of soil organic matter, soil compaction, tillage and manure handling methods, cover and relay cropping, and whole farm soil fertility and nutrient management and Environmental Farm Plans (EFP). 

The Association uses a cooperative approach in the development of sustainable land stewardship strategies that offer economical and effective solutions to issues related to soil conservation, water quality, ecological protection, and nutrient management.

Our goals are to promote:

• the retention and preservation of agricultural land in the City of Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley while safeguarding the conservation of the natural environment and overall biodiversity;
• sustainable agriculture and stewardship practices which conserve and enhance the long term productivity of agricultural land;
• stewardship practices which contribute to the long term sustainability of the quality and quantity of soil and water resources;
• the advancement of crop health and integrated crop management through environmental sustainability and biodiversity in a whole farm systems approach;
• public awareness and appreciation of agriculture and the importance of its conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.

Through public awareness and educational programs such as Forage Fest 2007, Farm Fest 2010, and continued participation at the Pacific Agriculture Show the ASCA continues to meet the growing informational needs of BC farmers as well as increasing public concern of food-safety and sustainability issues.  Workshops and seminars focusing on nutrient management and climate change are presented to inform and help farmers become and remain sustainable and productive.  These educational days are open to the public with information that applies to gardeners as well as growers.

Abbotsford Agriculture Facts

The City of Abbotsford is located in the Central Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada. With a population of more than 125,000 it is the fifth largest city in the province.

Agriculture provides a strong foundation under the city’s economy - annual gross farm receipts exceeded $450 million in 2001 and accounted for close to 20% of the province’s gross farm receipts in 2000.

As one of the most intensively farmed areas in Canada, Abbotsford supports
significant berry, vegetable, greenhouse, dairy, poultry and hog operations. In addition, the city’s industrial sector reflects strong agricultural roots with food processing, seed, feed and fertilizer production and produce storage industries.

A total of 74% of Abbotsford’s land area (27,710 hectares) is within the
Agricultural Land Reserve. Of this, 22,515 hectares were being farmed in 2001.

The City has a "City in the Country Plan" which attempts to balance urban and rural issues faced by this growing municipality.

A higher percentage of Abbotsford’s labour force works in agriculture than in any other city in BC’s Lower Mainland.