Launch Your Tree Nut Farming Business in Burnaby Today
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a tree nut farming business in Burnaby (NAICS 111335). You’ll find a clear overview of the six core requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, cost ranges, and a realistic timeline. Use this as a step-by-step roadmap to turn your orchard idea into a working operation, with plain-language explanations and practical next steps.
What you’ll learn: the six requirements summarized, from farmland zoning and water rights to business registration and environmental checks; the permits and licenses you'll typically apply for (agriculture, land use, water, pesticide, health and safety, and food handling if you plan to process nuts). Rough cost estimates for seedlings, irrigation, fencing, equipment, and permit fees; and a practical timeline from planning through planting and first harvest, usually several seasons.
Why Burnaby makes sense: This city offers strong market access to Metro Vancouver’s wholesale and retail channels, supportive local services, and infrastructure to support agribusiness ventures, training, and financing options. With six clear requirements to satisfy, you’ll have a concrete path to grow a sustainable tree nut farming operation in a thriving urban-adjacent region.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a tree nut farm in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must-have from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you need it to run the business, issue invoices, file taxes, and handle payroll. Without a BN, you can’t legally operate, open business accounts, or work with suppliers and customers. It’s non-negotiable and should be in place before you start selling anything.
For day-to-day operations, focus on health, safety, and permits. An On-Farm Food Safety Program helps you keep your products safe for customers and is commonly required by buyers. It covers practical practices like clean handling, traceability, and record-keeping. WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is essential for any employer: if you hire workers, you must have coverage and follow safety rules to protect your team.
On the business and tax side, you’ll want BC Business Name Registration if you plan to operate under a name other than your own (especially for sole proprietorships or partnerships). GST/HST Registration is necessary if your revenue hits the threshold or if you choose to collect tax. Payroll Deductions Registration applies if you have employees. These registrations and numbers keep your finances compliant and ready for growth.
Next steps: map out a simple timeline, gather the required documents, and get the BN in place. Then decide on a business name and complete the BC name registration, followed by GST/HST and payroll registrations as needed. If you’d like, I can tailor a practical checklist for your Burnaby tree nut farm and walk you through each step.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a tree nut 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 tree nut 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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