JUNE 2018 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC
Two studies promise to
ensure slaughter
capacity, quality Standing committee resurrected to examine meat processing
by TOM WALKER
HARRISON HOT SPRINGS – The future of BC meat processing is enjoying much- needed attention from two studies, BC Association of Abattoirs (BCAA) members heard at their annual general meeting in Harrison Hot Springs on April 26-27. BCAA executive director
Nova Woodbury read greetings from BC agriculture minister Lana Popham that put the sector square in the sights of the recently revived Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food. The committee, chaired by NDP MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard (Courtenay-Comox), includes Jackie Tegart (deputy chair), Doug Routley, Nicholas Simons, Donna Barnett, Mike Morris, Adam Olsen, Ian Paton and Rachna Singh. It is charged with examining and making recommendations regarding local meat production in BC. “The committee shall seek to consider the views of farmers, producers, processors, consumers, restaurateurs and all other individuals and organizations interested in local, small-scale meat production,” the terms of reference state. “In undertaking its inquiry, the committee shall consider matters related to areas of provincial responsibility with respect to meat production regulations.”
Hearings will be held in 11 communities around the province between June 4 and June 13.
The study comes on the heels of another study that wrapped up at the end of April. Gavin Last, executive
director of the food safety and inspection branch of the BC Ministry of Agriculture, outlined a consultation
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regarding class D and E meat processing licences that began in March. “We contacted current licensees, those licensed in the past and other relevant stakeholders such as the abattoir association, [BC] Cattlemen’s and the regional health authorities. We opened
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Nuffield scholars from around the world toured agricultural stops in the Okanagan and Similkameen in April including BX Press Cidery, Okanagan Specialty Fruit, Harkers Organics and Nk’Mip Cellars. Scholars travel between 10 and 16 weeks internationally researching a topic relevant to the agri-food sector in their country. The Okanagan tour was hosted by Nuffield vice-chair Becky Parker of Penticton. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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