Start Your Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming in Burnaby Today
This page gives a practical roadmap to launching an Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming business in Burnaby (NAICS 111339). Discover a clear overview of the six key requirements you’ll need to meet, plus step-by-step guidance on registering your business, securing permits, and budgeting for your first harvest. It’s designed to help you move from idea to growing, with real-world, actionable tips.
What you’ll learn: the six essential startup requirements and how they fit into Burnaby’s rules, the permits and registrations you’ll likely face, typical costs (registrations, licenses, site improvements, equipment), and a realistic timeline from planning to planting. You’ll also get practical budgeting advice, timelines, and quick wins to keep approvals moving and avoid delays.
Why Burnaby? This city offers a strategic blend of urban markets and accessible farming land, with supportive municipal programs and a strong network of suppliers. The combo of Burnaby’s location, climate suited to many noncitrus fruits, and the NAICS 111339 framework makes it a solid starting point for a scalable, compliant, local fruit farming business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a noncitrus fruit farm in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and is how you interact with the federal tax system—GST/HST, payroll, and other programs. You’ll need a BN before you file returns, hire staff, or open business bank accounts. In short, obtaining a BN is the essential starting point for legal, smooth operation.
Beyond registration, you’ll want to cover health, safety, and permits to run a farm responsibly. Enroll in the On-Farm Food Safety program to show buyers and regulators that your practices meet food-safety standards. If you hire workers, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and register for workplace safety programs. Also check for any municipal permits or zoning rules that may apply to farming activities in Burnaby.
On the business-registrations and tax side, you’ll handle several key steps. BC Business Name Registration is required if you plan to operate under a name other than your own (for Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). This, together with your BN, helps keep personal and business finances separate. GST/HST Registration is needed if your revenue crosses the threshold or if you want to reclaim input taxes. If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA.
You’re ready to move forward with a clear, actionable plan. Start by confirming your preferred business name, then apply for your BN and BC business-name registration if needed. Decide whether GST/HST and payroll registrations apply to you, and enroll in the On-Farm Food Safety program while arranging WorkSafeBC coverage. For local guidance, reach out to Burnaby’s business resources or a BC agricultural extension service to prune this plan into a practical, step-by-step path.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other noncitrus fruit 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 other noncitrus fruit 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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