Livestock producers in British Columbia’s East Kootenay region are finally getting an abattoir.
Producers were looking for alternate markets during the early years of BSE, and their hands were tied because they did not have a provincially inspected local processor to handle their cattle, lambs, pork and goats, said Hedi Trescher, a member of the Windermere District Farmers’ Institute and project co-ordinator for the abattoir.
The group came up against changing provincial meat processing regulations, lack of funding and local opposition. No public funding could be found, so the institute raised private money, said Trescher.
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Construction is scheduled to start in May on 20 acres in Invermere owned by the farmers’ institute. It is should be ready for business by fall.
The building will be leased to local businessperson Grant Kelly, who will provide slaughter, cooler space and cut and wrap services. “It will open up all kinds of markets and possibilities,” Trescher said.
“Once we can butcher with the government stamp, then it can be legally sold.”
The province requires government inspection, and farmers are allowed to sell through the farm-gate, local markets and restaurants once that is achieved.
“It will make a huge difference to agriculture in the valley,” she said.
“We can promote locally grown products.”
The area is a popular tourist destination, and the farmers’ institute hopes to fit in with the desire for local products in restaurants, hotels and stores, she added.
barbara.duckworth@producer.com
