Launch Fruit and Tree Nut Farming in Burnaby Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a fruit and tree nut combination farm in Burnaby (NAICS 111336). You’ll find a clear roadmap from site selection and planting to launching your operation, with a focus on the six key requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline. It’s designed for hopeful growers aiming to build a resilient, diversified farming business right in the city’s orbit.
This guide outlines six core requirements and how to meet them: 1) land-use and zoning alignment; 2) business registration and a BC tax number; 3) city and provincial permits for farm operations; 4) water-use permissions and irrigation planning; 5) pest management, soil health, and environmental compliance; 6) insurance, labour rules, and basic food-safety considerations. You’ll also see rough cost ranges and a practical timeline to help you budget and plan.
Burnaby’s blend of urban markets and nearby agricultural land makes it a smart place to grow fruit and nuts, with easy access to customers, suppliers, and supportive local programs.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a fruit and tree nut farming business in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration. This federal identifier is the foundation for interacting with government programs, including taxes and payroll, and you cannot legally operate without one. Securing a BN sets up your business for all other filings and obligations, so it’s the first essential step in getting ready to farm.
The second paragraph covers mandatory operational requirements that relate to health, safety, and good practice. You’ll want to be sure you’re aligned with On-Farm Food Safety standards to protect consumers and maintain quality. If you hire staff, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are required to keep workers safe and to meet provincial rules. These safety and program requirements are about doing business responsibly and protecting your team and customers.
On the third paragraph, focus on Business Registration and Tax obligations. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’ll need to register your BC business name. You’ll also need a BN for GST/HST and payroll purposes, and depending on your staffing plans, you may need Payroll Deductions Registration. GST/HST registration ensures you collect and remit tax correctly, while payroll registrations handle employee tax withholdings and related filings.
If you’re ready to move forward, take these next steps: apply for your BN, then register your BC business name if applicable, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts as needed. Enroll in the On-Farm Food Safety program and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage if you’ll have employees. For help, check the CRA and BC government sites, and consider reaching out to local farming associations or an advisor to keep you on track. You’ve got this—your Burnaby fruit and tree nut operation can start strong with clear, practical steps.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a fruit and tree nut combination farming in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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On-Farm Food Safety Program ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Many commodity sectors require on-farm food safety programs (e.g., CanadaGAP for produce, CQA for beef/dairy). Demonstrates compliance with food safety practices from farm to gate. On-Farm Food Safety Program. CFIA-recognized programs. CanadaGAP for produce. CQA for pork. Proaction for dairy. Contact CFIA: 1-800-442-2342.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your fruit and tree nut combination farming:
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50% cost-share grant under the Sustainable CAP framework (2023–2028) with two streams: On-Farm Irrigation (up to $17,500 for purchases or $6,000 for upgrades per parcel, max $35,000/fiscal year) and On-Farm Water Supply (max $40,000 per applicant over the 2023–2028 program period). Continuous intake subject to available annual funding.
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A $25.7M program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership open to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations. AAFC contributes up to 70% of eligible costs (max $1M/year or $5M over 5 years; $100K/year or $500K for national fair projects). In-kind contributions capped at 15% of total. Priority intake closed May 30, 2025; …
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A non-refundable BC personal and corporate income tax credit equal to 25% of the fair market value of eligible agricultural products donated to qualifying registered charities in BC. Available for donations made between February 16, 2016 and December 31, 2026. The credit is claimed in addition to the regular charitable …
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The Agricultural Living Laboratories Initiative (now operating under the Agricultural Climate Solutions — Living Labs program) is a $185-million, 10-year federal initiative that brings together farmers, scientists, and sector stakeholders to develop and evaluate innovative technologies and practices in real-world farm conditions. Fourteen living labs across Canada were launched in …
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The Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative (AYGI) was a wage subsidy program under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada designed to attract youth to environmentally focused careers in agriculture. It offered two streams: the Green Farms Stream (subsidizing on-farm youth internships up to $10,000 per intern) and the Green Internships Stream (subsidizing …
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