Launch Your Orange Groves in Surrey: Start Today
This page is your practical starter guide to launching orange groves in Surrey under NAICS 111310. We break down what you need to begin, from a clear requirements overview to the essential permits, budget, and timelines. Learn how to scope your operation, estimate startup costs, and map the regulatory steps so you can move from idea to thriving grove with confidence.
In this guide you’ll learn the seven requirements you’ll meet, the permits you’ll need (land zoning, water use, environmental approvals, business licensing), and a practical cost range for setup—from land and irrigation to trees and equipment. We also outline a realistic timeline from planning through planting to first harvest, plus a simple checklist to track progress and access local support resources.
Why Surrey? This city sits near booming Metro Vancouver markets, with growing demand for local fruit and supportive agricultural programs. The climate and access to land—paired with smart growing practices—make it a practical place to start orange groves and scale up over time.
Requirements Overview
Starting an orange grove in Surrey requires several foundational registrations to operate legally. The most foundational requirements are obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, securing a Surrey Business Licence, and registering your BC business name if you’ll be operating under a name other than your own. These steps are non-negotiable; you cannot legally run the farm without them, as they cover essential tax reporting, local compliance, and business identification.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to registrations, you’ll need to manage health, safety, and permits. The On-Farm Food Safety Program helps you maintain safe harvesting and handling practices, and while it is not always a legal obligation for every small grower, many buyers require it. WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are mandatory for any farm with employees, ensuring workplace safety and injury coverage. If you hire workers, you’ll also handle payroll deductions and related reporting.
Business Registration & Tax: Your core business registrations include a BN with the CRA, and BC Business Name Registration if you’re using a name other than your own. You’ll also need to consider GST/HST registration if your annual taxable supplies reach the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. If you have employees, you’ll set up Payroll Deductions with the CRA. Keeping these numbers organized will help you stay compliant and simplify reporting.
Encouragement: Ready to move forward? Start by confirming Surrey-specific licence requirements, then set up your BN and BC business name (if needed). Plan for GST/HST once your revenue outlook is clear, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage if you’ll hire staff. Consider a quick chat with an accountant or local agricultural advisor to tailor these steps to your scale. With these basics in place, you’ll be on solid footing to grow a thriving orange grove.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a orange groves in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey 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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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 orange groves:
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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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