Small-scale meat producers in the Regional District of the North Okanagan can now apply for one of five Class E licences to sell their meat to consumers visiting their farms, and at farmers' markets within the regional district.

The five licences are part of a pilot project that allows applications from producers that are normally ineligible because they fall within a two-hour travel distance of a provincially licensed abattoir.

Producers of red meat such as beef, pork and mutton, as well as poultry are all eligible to apply. In addition to all current Class E licensing requirements applicants will need to implement the new Code of Practice for Rural Slaughter Establishments, as well as complete new training in Animal Welfare and Humane Slaughter Practices.

The Code of Practice is intended to guide in the design and operations of Class E establishments to provide consumers with additional food safety assurances by requiring things like a clean, safe supply of hot and cold water, a designated dressing area and adequate refrigeration.

The application packages and more details are available at: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/polleg/Meat/RDNO_Class_EPilot.html

Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis with the first round of decisions made on those submitted by Sept. 13, 2013. This deadline supports applicants to meet requirements, and for the licences to be issued by the start of the fall 2013 slaughter season.

The pilot project was announced as part of the Province's new meat inspection program in February 2013.

Contact:

Robert Boelens
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-1674