Farm Gate Sales Act would allow purchase of animal products from local farms

First Published: November 24, 2009 in by the BC New Democratic Party

VICTORIA— British Columbians will once again be able to purchase fresh meat products from local farmers if a bill introduced in the legislature by New Democrats today is passed.

“Even as increasing numbers of British Columbians are looking for local food choices, the centuries-old tradition of the family farm is at risk,” said New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons, who introduced the bill.  “I hope that MLAs from both sides of the house can come together to support local food and B.C. farmers by backing this bill.”

The bill amends the Food Safety Act in order to allow farmers to sell meat directly from the farm to local customers. Under the current rules, all meat offered for sale must be processed at centralized facilities despite the fact that this is not an option for many small producers, particularly in rural communities. Since the B.C. Liberal government outlawed farm gate sales many small farms have gone out of business.

“Forcing farmers to ship their animals hundreds of miles for processing not only makes local meat unaffordable, it also puts undue stress on the animals and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions,” said Lana Popham, New Democrat agriculture critic.  
“I hope both sides of the house can come together to support this common-sense bill that promotes local economies and encourages environmental stewardship.”

Please encourage your mla to support an amendment to the food safety act, meat inspection regulation, that would allow an exemption for on-farm processing and non-retailed direct meat sales in an effort to keep small and specialty local farms viable and provide consumers with a choice.

Copies of the bill are available upon request.

Media Contact: Jennifer Jones 250-889-6308