PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Scott Fraser says that more people will have access to locally-raised meat in the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District thanks to changes made by the Province.

“These changes will be celebrated at dinner tables, restaurants and butcher shops by people who enjoy the beef, pork and poultry raised by our neighbours in the valley,” said Scott Fraser, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “There continues to be growing interest and pride in the food produced and served here. It makes it easier for livestock and poultry producers to sell food in the region that they are part of, strengthening our area’s food security, economy and community ties.”

The updated Meat Inspection Regulation now allows Class D licences in the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, as well as areas in the Kootenays and the Fraser-Fort George region, and encourages the growing “farm-to-fork” trend in many B.C. communities. Class D licence holders are permitted to conduct the on-farm slaughter of up to 25 animal units for direct sale to consumers or retail outlets like restaurants and meat shops in the region where the meat was slaughtered.

MLA Fraser says these changes follow consultations by the Ministry of Agriculture and the direction of the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fish and Food’s September 2018 report which recommended more support for B.C.’s local meat production and processing industries while promoting the interests of local producers, processors, retailers, and consumers.

The BC NDP government continues to consult with ranchers, abattoir operators, local governments and other stakeholders to review and improve the province’s rural slaughter capacity, and support more opportunities for the production and sales of locally raised meat products in B.C.

 Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/22377