COMOX VALLEY – New Democrat MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard says new meat licensing system will make it easier for B.C. families to buy, serve, and enjoy locally raised beef, pork, and poultry. Farmers in rural parts of B.C. will benefit under this new meat licensing system that increases opportunities for them to sell meat products in their home communities and in turn, supports local economies and regional food security.

“For community members and tourists alike, eating local food is one of the great things about the Comox Valley,” said MLA Leonard. “With these changes, we’re making locally raised meats more accessible, giving people the opportunity to support local, small-scale farmers in our communities while enjoying what they have to offer.”

The new licensing system reflects the diversity in size of B.C. meat processing and livestock businesses. The three new license categories include:

• A farmgate license that allows farmers to sell from their farmgate or at farmers markets within their regional district and at farmers markets within a 50 kilometre radius of their farm if they border a different regional district;
• A farmgate plus license that replaces current Class D and E licenses. It is available provincewide and helps alleviate ranchers’ and producers’ concerns about accessing processing services, as well as provide new sales opportunities at farmers markets, retail shops and restaurants;
• An abattoir license that replaces current Class A and B licenses. It is synchronized with existing business and license procedures and will continue to offer fully inspected meat production with no restriction on volume or sales within B.C.

The new licence framework follows in-depth consultation with ranchers, abattoir operators, local governments and meat producer organizations.

All licences will be valid for a five-year term and will be effective Oct. 1, 2021, with existing licensees transitioning automatically.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AFF0043-001352