A North Okanagan politician questions if any small-scale farmers will remain once provincial meat rules are resolved.
Rick Fairbairn, Regional District of North Okanagan vice-chairperson, met with Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick recently and was told no changes to meat processing regulations are expected for possibly two years.
“I am disappointed with the province’s response but I will continue to advocate for an earlier conclusion to these regulations,” said Fairbairn.
The Regional District of North Okanagan wants an Interior Health Authority representative to attend the agricultural advisory committee and explain why the issue of processing permits has stalled.
In February 2013, the provincial government announced that up to five class E slaughtering licences would be allowed in the North Okanagan as part of a two-year pilot program.
RDNO has been fighting the meat processing rules since they were first introduced in 2007 because of the negative impact on farmers.
“He (Letnick) indicated two licenses have been issued and rather than wait for all five to be issued, the ministry will immediately evaluate how the procedure will go forward,” said Fairbairn of whether the rules will be eased or limits on processing will continue.
“The study will take about a year or two to complete.”
Fairbairn says more farmers could go out of business if they can’t slaughter meat themselves or access a small-scale processor and that negatively impacts the economy and communities.
“I am noticing a lack of livestock and more farms up for sale. Fencing is deteriorating and there are weed-infested hay fields.”
