Launch a Hog and Pig Farming Business in Burnaby
This page guides you through starting a hog and pig farming business (NAICS 112210) in Burnaby. You’ll find a practical, step‑by‑step overview of what it takes to turn farming ambitions into a legal operation—from the seven requirements you must meet to secure permits, licenses, and zoning approvals. We outline typical startup costs and offer a clear timeline for getting your first pigs on the ground.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the seven requirements cover, the permits you’ll need from Burnaby and provincial agriculture authorities, and realistic startup costs for housing, fencing, feed, and equipment. We’ll cover waste management, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards, plus essential record-keeping and reporting. You’ll also get a practical timeline with milestones—from registration to your first batch of pigs—so you can plan confidently.
Why Burnaby is a smart home for a pig farming venture: its location in Metro Vancouver gives you quick access to markets, feed suppliers, and veterinary services, plus a supportive business ecosystem. With careful planning and strong compliance, you can build a sustainable, profitable operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a hog and pig farming business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal obligation you cannot legally operate without, because the BN lets you interact with the Canada Revenue Agency for taxes, payroll, and other mandatory filings. Without a BN, you cannot register for GST/HST, hire employees, or properly report income. This requirement is non-negotiable—set up your BN first and use it on all future registrations and filings.
For day-to-day operations, you’ll need to meet mandatory health and safety and program requirements. WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are essential to keep your workers safe and compliant with provincial workplace rules. In addition, you’ll be expected to participate in programs that support animal health and food safety, such as the On-Farm Food Safety Program and the Canadian Livestock Identification Program, which help with safe handling, traceability, and recall readiness. Some additional permits or local approvals may apply depending on how you run your operation in Burnaby, so check with the local authorities and program administrators.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, and you’ll handle tax registrations such as GST/HST and payroll deductions. These registrations, together with your BN, keep your business compliant with federal and provincial rules and ensure you can properly collect and remit taxes and manage employee payroll.
If you’re ready, start with obtaining your BN and then tackle the BC business name registration (if applicable), followed by GST/HST and payroll registrations. This may feel like a lot, but taking it step by step will set you up for smooth, compliant operations. Reach out to the appropriate agencies or a local business advisor to guide you through each registration, and you’ll have a solid foundation to grow your hog farming ven
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a hog and pig 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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Canadian Livestock Identification Program ConditionalRequired for livestock operations. Mandatory identification and traceability for cattle, bison, sheep, and other livestock. Requires premises identification and individual animal tracking to support disease control and food safety. Canadian Livestock Tracking System. CFIA traceability requirements. RFID tags for cattle. Movement reporting. 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 hog and pig 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 refundable 10% Manitoba tax credit for eligible capital expenditures on prescribed nutrient management equipment (solid-liquid separation systems, anaerobic digesters, gravity settling tanks, manure treatment systems, manure composting facilities). Introduced in 2012 and permanently eliminated for expenditures incurred after April 11, 2017 under the Manitoba 2017 Budget. Carry-forwards of unused …
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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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A refundable Manitoba tax credit equal to 10% of the capital cost of eligible odour-control equipment acquired after April 19, 2004 and before April 12, 2017. The credit was permanently eliminated for expenditures incurred after April 11, 2017 under Manitoba's 2017 Budget. Unused credits from eligible prior-period expenditures may still …
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