There’s no chance more local farmers will soon be able to slaughter and sell meat on their own.
Regional District of North Okanagan representatives met with provincial government staff in Vancouver last week to discuss possibly allowing more farm gate licenses beyond the five currently permitted.
“There won’t be anything until the pilot project is thoroughly examined,” said Patrick Nicol, RDNO chairperson.
The Ministry of Agriculture has stated that the pilot project is necessary to monitor possible health impacts from farm gate sales and the effect on larger abattoirs.
However, RDNO has previously stated the program does little to help the hundreds of producers who have been struggling since a ban on farm gate sales was launched in 2007.
Nicol is optimistic more licenses will eventually be awarded.
“The idea is for this to work and they (ministry) are really committed to this,” he said.
Also during the meeting, Nicol was provided some good news for the five farms who have licenses.
“The pilot project remains for two years but the licenses will be for five years,” he said.
“Why would people invest in equipment or other areas if there wasn’t some certainty for them?”
