The people behind the local food movement in Grey Bruce are trying to make sure small meat processing operations are up to speed on new regulations.
Freeman Boyd is the Project Co-ordinator for the Grey Bruce Local Food Project.
He says many small operators may not be aware of all of the new rules and if they are meeting or violating them.
Boyd says OMAFRA is enforcing these regulations, although not in a comprehensive and systematic way.
Boyd warns a person’s business can be subject to very punitive actions if you are considered in violation of the regulations.
Boyd says the problem for the small operator is there are more than 150 pages of regulations covering the processing and sale of meat.
And he notes understanding who must comply and who may be exempt is often very difficult to understand.
Boyd points out as a result — many small meat processors and abattoirs are closing down because they can not afford upgrades to meet the new standards.
If that continues to happen — Boyd says it will become more difficult for farmers to process their livestock locally — and that in turn will make it more difficult to sustain the local food movement.
Boyd says it’s frustrating that on one hand — the province is pushing the local food movement but on the other hand — local meat processors have to follow tough rules.
He hopes there will be some way for OMAFRA to ease up on the regulations.
