Popular thinking says if Vancouver Island were cut off from the mainland due to a catastrophic event, we produce only enough food to feed people for three days. Food security has been a big issue in the Alberni Valley, and is gaining even more importance at the municipal government level.
We believe the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District’s abattoir feasibility survey is a good step to take toward ensuring food security in the central Island.
Being located in the Alberni Valley presents unique challenges to farmers who must pay to take their livestock over the hump to Courtenay for slaughter, then return to pick up their meat products. Having something more centrally located could again be economical, as it once was before new health regulations forced small-time slaughterhouses to close.
We will watch the ACRD’s agricultural plan grow with interest.
– ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS
