Ministers looking at meat regulations

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 25, 2008

The provincial government may be easing up on regulations that have impacted meat processors and farmers. North Okanagan Regional District officials met Wednesday with Healthy Living Minister Mary Polak and Agriculture Minister Stan Hagen during the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in Penticton. “The meetings were the most positive we’ve had so far on the issue,” said director Wayne Lippert. The processing regulations, which were initiated last fall, force all meat to be slaughtered in a provincially licensed facility. It also has to be inspected prior to being sold. NORD is concerned the rules will put small processors out of business, as well as farmers who can’t get their beef, poultry or pork processed. “Producers are selling their farms or going underground,” said Buffy Baumbrough, alternate director. Baumbrough believes Hagen understands the seriousness of the situation. “He said the issue of meat regulations is on his radar and he has heard from local governments around the province,” she said.

Baumbrough’s main argument is that there is a need for communities to produce their own food as climate change becomes more evident. “They need to recognize that the regulations have led to a loss of producing meat locally,” she said. While meeting with Polak, director Rick Fairbairn pointed out the economic impact of the rules in rural Lumby. “It’s been detrimental to the viability of the small farms,” he said. “She (Polak) was up-to-date on the file and aware of the situation occurring in the North Okanagan.” Directors proposed a system be initiated where there are federal and provincial inspections of meat, but also an opportunity for farmers to sell directly to customers. Farm-gate meat would be identified as not being inspected. “Minister Hagen was happy that we had some solutions,” said Lippert. It’s not known when or if changes to the regulations could occur. “There’s a willingness to examine the issue. He (Hagen) did not shut the door on us,” said Baumbrough.UBCM delegates are considering five regulations on meat regulations.