Council demands answers

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - April 23, 2008

The City of Enderby is accusing the provincial government of ignoring the plight of local farmers.

Council voted Monday to send a letter to Agriculture Minister Pat Bell after receiving a reply from earlier correspondence about meat processing rules.

“The response from the ministry didn’t address farm gate sales,” said Mayor Sue Phillips.

“It (regulations) is killing farmers who aren’t allowed to do that anymore.”

In his April 14 letter to council, Bell states that he is aware of the challenge the meat inspection regulation has created in areas previously not covered by inspections.

“We consider the transition to be well underway and the number of provincially licensed slaughter facilities has increased from 25 to 53,” he said.

“We continue to work with interested operators, several of whom are located in the Thompson-Okanagan region, to increase licensed slaughter capacity in B.C.”

Bell also points out that the government has funded the meat industry enhancement strategy and a $5 million meat transition assistance program.

“Government recognizes the importance of safe local meat supplies for consumers in B.C. and the economic, environmental and health benefits of a viable, local meat industry,” he said.

But Phillips remains opposed to a system that forces meat to be processed in centralized locations and prevents consumers from purchasing meat right at the farm.

“I’d rather have meat from where I know how it was fed and raised than off the shelf,” she said.

Coun. Dee Wejr also believes the lack of farm gate sales will hurt Enderby’s economy.

“Every year I’ve bought a fresh turkey for Christmas from a local fellow. He used that money to support his family and he would spend his money in the community,” she said.

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Council demands answers

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