Launch Your Burnaby Other Vegetable (Except Potato) and Melon Farming
This page helps you plan, register, and start a NAICS 111219 "Other Vegetable (except Potato) and Melon Farming" business in Burnaby. It provides a practical, 6-step requirements overview, realistic start-up costs, and a clear timeline from setup to first harvest so you know what to expect and where to begin.
You'll learn the six key requirements you'll need to meet: 1) business registration and tax ID; 2) zoning and land-use approvals; 3) farming and site permits; 4) water use and irrigation approvals; 5) environmental and health permits (including pesticide and fertilizer handling when needed); 6) waste management and licensing. We outline typical costs for licenses, equipment, land, and initial setup, plus where to file applications and how long processing usually takes.
Burnaby’s blend of urban accessibility and agricultural support makes it a smart fit for this niche. With proximity to markets, suppliers, and transit, you can reach restaurants and retailers quickly while keeping logistics and costs practical.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal obligation you must have before you can interact with tax authorities or hire staff, and you cannot legally run your farming operation without it. Along with the BN, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration if you plan to operate under a name other than your own (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). Getting both in place first helps you avoid delays and keeps you compliant as you start selling vegetables and melons.
Operationally, you’ll want to focus on health, safety, and workforce obligations. On-Farm Food Safety Program participation is important to show buyers and regulators that your produce is handled consistently and safely from field to market. In addition, ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for all workers and understand your responsibilities for workplace safety. If you hire employees, Payroll Deductions Registration is part of keeping payroll taxes up to date and meeting provincial requirements.
From a business and tax perspective, make sure your BN is tied to the right formal registration, and complete BC Business Name Registration if you’re using a registered name. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration if your sales reach the threshold or your customers require you to collect tax, and Payroll Deductions Registration so you can remit deductions properly for any staff you employ. These steps set a solid legal and financial foundation for your farming operation in Burnaby.
You’ve got this—take the next steps by lining up these registrations, then connect with the relevant agencies or a local small-business advisor to confirm any specific forms or fees. Once these pieces are in place, you’ll be equipped to focus on growing healthy vegetables and melons and building a thriving farm with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other vegetable (except potato) and melon 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 vegetable (except potato) and melon 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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