Slaughter decision looms
North Okanagan residents will know soon if meat can once again be sold at the farm gate.
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick says he has presented a proposal about meat processing regulations to his cabinet colleagues.
“A decision will be forthcoming in the short weeks to come,” said Letnick while in Vernon Tuesday.
However, Letnick would not say whether his plan includes the issuance of D and E slaughter licenses so farm-gate sales can occur locally.
“We have put together a comprehensive package that addresses the issues,” he said.
“My belief is the package will be positively accepted by a majority of stakeholders.”
Officials from the Regional District of North Okanagan and Spallumcheen have been lobbying Letnick to initiate licenses as a way of supporting the economy and local families.
The number of North Okanagan producers has gone from 1,200 to 300 since meat processing regulations came into force in 2007.
“I heard from people in the North Okanagan and their perspectives,” said Letnick.
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