Launch a Hog and Pig Farming Business in Victoria
Starting a hog and pig farming operation in Victoria? This page helps you navigate NAICS code 112210 with practical, step-by-step guidance. You’ll get a clear overview of the eight core requirements you’ll tackle—from site readiness and zoning to licenses and permits, budgeting, and a realistic timeline—so you can move from idea to a compliant, productive farm. Use this as a fast-start blueprint to anticipate costs and avoid common missteps.
What you’ll learn: the eight essential steps to get up and running in Victoria. They cover zoning and site readiness; municipal business license; provincial animal care, welfare and health rules; environmental and waste management permits; water use and land-use considerations; a robust biosecurity plan; worker safety and insurance; and budgeting, financing and the project timeline. We outline the permits you’ll need, provide rough cost ranges, and map a practical 12–18 month path from concept to production.
Victoria’s mild climate, proximity to markets, and strong agricultural services make it a solid fit for hog farming under NAICS 112210. With the right plan, you’ll tap local support, stay compliant, and build a scalable operation from the start.
Requirements Overview
BN Registration is a non-negotiable first step for starting a hog and pig farming business in Victoria, BC. Your CRA Business Number is how the federal government identifies your business for taxes, payroll, and related programs, and you’ll need it if you hire staff or register for GST/HST. While you could operate in a very small way without it, having a BN makes it possible to legally manage taxes and government requirements, connect with suppliers and banks, and keep your books in order. In short, it’s the foundational identifier you’ll use across government and financial interactions.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that protect health, safety, and market access. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is required, and you must follow workplace safety rules. The On-Farm Food Safety Program helps ensure your products meet safety standards and may be required by buyers or retailers you want to work with. The Canadian Livestock Identification Program (CLIP) is used to identify and track animals, which is essential for biosecurity, disease control, and compliant animal movement.
On the regulatory and registration side, you’ll need to handle business registrations and tax numbers. In BC, BC Business Name Registration is needed if you operate under a name other than your own, and a municipal Business Licence is typically required to operate in your city. For taxes, obtain GST/HST Registration if you cross the revenue threshold or choose to register, and use Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. Make sure your BN is linked to these accounts where applicable.
Next steps: start with your local municipality to secure a Business Licence, set up your BN with the CRA, and complete your BC Business Name Registration if you’re using a trade name. Connect with WorkSafeBC for coverage and reach out to local agricultural extension services or a small business advisor for tailored guidance. You’re on a solid path—take it step
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a hog and pig farming in Victoria:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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