Launch a Peanut Farming Business in Burnaby Today
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting a peanut farming business in Burnaby under NAICS 111992. You’ll find a six-requirement plan, guidance on permits and registrations, realistic startup costs, and a clear timeline from setup to first harvest. Whether you’re new to farming or expanding a product line, this guide helps you move confidently from idea to field.
What you’ll learn: six essential requirements — 1) choose your business structure and register in BC (and get a CRA Business Number if needed); 2) secure land in Burnaby and confirm zoning for farming; 3) obtain a municipal business license and any agricultural permits; 4) establish water access and environmental compliance; 5) plan equipment, seeds, inputs, insurance, and crop protection; 6) map a realistic timeline and budget from prep to harvest.
Why Burnaby? BC’s growing local-food movement and nearby Vancouver market create solid demand for specialty crops. With the right setup, access to buyers, processors, and support programs for new farmers can help you move from field to local shelves faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a peanut farm in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable—you cannot invoice customers, open a business bank account, or hire staff without a BN, and it unlocks access to other government registrations you’ll need as your farm grows.
Beyond the BN, you’ll need to cover health, safety and permits. On-Farm Food Safety Program is important, especially if you sell to retailers or markets that require safety certification; it helps with proper handling and traceability. You’ll also need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and comply with provincial workplace standards. These steps help keep your operation safe, compliant, and market-ready from day one.
Business Registration & Tax: In BC, register your BC Business Name if you’re operating under a name other than your own (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). You’ll also need GST/HST Registration to collect tax on sales where applicable, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These registrations work together with your BN and business structure to keep finances and reporting in order.
Next steps: start with the BN application through the CRA, then register your BC business name, and enroll in the On-Farm Food Safety program as relevant. If you hire staff, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage and set up payroll deductions. Apply for GST/HST and payroll registrations as your sales grow. If you’d like, a local agricultural extension office or small-business advisor can help tailor these steps to your Burnaby peanut farm.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a peanut 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 peanut 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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