Rural Meat Production Modernization
Engagement Summary
Ranchers and abattoir operators in British Columbia are contributing to improve rural food supply and food security in the province, as part of ongoing government efforts to increase livestock production and processing in rural communities. The policy changes will also increase economic opportunities and strengthen B.C.’s provincial food system.
Policy changes shared with ranchers, abattoirs, local governments and health authorities for consideration include:
- increasing the amount of meat that can be processed annually by Class D and E license holders, and expanding the criteria of who and where their meat can be sold to;
- developing alternative models of licensing mobile abattoirs to improve service for smaller-scale producers;
- exploring a pilot program for conducting certain inspection components virtually; and
- renaming the current “Class A, B, D and E licenses” to more intuitive categories
The ministry is also collecting input on a number of topics from industry and the public regarding proposed changes to rural slaughter, such as:
- updating licensee training on slaughter practice, animal welfare and food safety to ensure provincially consistent and effective learning opportunities for rural producers;
- revising the code of practice for abattoir operators with required standard operating procedures to bring consistent practices and improved clarity for administrators and operators; and
- increasing the frequency of government inspector visits to rural abattoirs to an annual basis to ensure awareness and compliance with all requirements.
Engagement Timeframe
September 14 to November 16, 2020
Input Received
The Ministry invited meat producers, slaughter establishment operators, industry stakeholders, local governments, and the public to make written submissions regarding the themes presented in the intentions paper. In total, the Ministry received:
- 86 emailed submissions
- 2 mailed submissions
Input leads to action:
Read the What We Heard Report for a summary of feedback received on this engagement.