Maple Ridge farm fined for raw milk sales

Raw milk remains off the table for dairy producers, with the BC Milk Marketing Board (BCMMB) taking action against a Maple Ridge producer for illicit sales.

An undercover investigation of Maple Ridge producer Kevin Davison resulted in Davison Farms ordered to pay $7,512 in expenses related to a show-cause hearing last month. The farm has also had its licence suspended for three months and faces quota restrictions for two years.

The hearing put the onus on Davison to “show cause as to why the Board should not take action” following an investigation that successfully bought raw, unpasteurized milk from the farm on three separate occasions in February and March.

“BCMMB staff attended the farm on March 16, 2026, and interviewed Kevin Davison, who admitted selling milk directly from the farm,” the board said in an April 8 memo to industry.

Neither BCMMB general manager Rob Delage nor Davison was immediately available for comment.

The matter came to light following an anonymous e-mail complaint in February.

Five years ago, the board took action against Agassiz producer Adrie Stuyt of Hol-Amer Farms for selling raw milk to a commercial buyer in Surrey.

“Stuyt conceded that over seven years, he had received approximately $50,000 from sales of milk other than through the Milk Board,” according to BC Farm Industry Review Board (BC FIRB) filings related to Stuyt’s appeal of BCMMB’s actions.

Stuyt said he was receiving 40 cents a litre from the buyer at the time he was caught.

By selling milk outside the regulated system, where revenues are pooled, the board claimed Stuyt had cost producers as a whole $195,185 and ordered him to repay this amount. It also ordered Stuyt to pay $33,266 to cover the cost of BCMMB’s investigation and hearings into the matter.

The BC Dairy Association, which stood as an intervenor in the appeal before FIRB, said illicit raw milk sales are a direct threat to supply management.

“Dairy farmers who benefit from the system have an obligation to comply with the restrictions that make the system functional,” BC Dairy said in its submission. “If individual farmers believe they can personally do better by selling milk outside the quota system, then pricing stability is lost, and all dairy farmers are worse off.”

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It provides for more than produce. It includes, eggs, meat and honey!

Good program. Additionally, I toured the Kelowna Food bank yesterday. They are serving about 12,000 people a month. Lots are working people.

I have seen people at the Saanichton markets asking if vendors take the coupons and being embarrassed when the vendor says no. Are there signs that are placed on the tables so people know who is part of the program and who is not?

You would have a slim choice of meat if you only get $27.00 .

“While it’s unfortunate that programs like this are necessary, I’m grateful they exist to support families and local farmers.”

Food stamps?

This should be made a little more accessible, especially for seniors

What exactly is this and how does it work? I've never heard of it before. How does this get applied to us who it's intended to help?

Christy Sakai its a week and if you to the markets you can get a small bag of carrots 5bucks, a few potatoes, usually a bag of apples are 5 bucks, and in summer you have fruit choices. Yes doesn't seem like alot but it could be stretched at the markets and remember its a week so really ypu going to use the whole bag of carrots in a week, probably not so you have something for the next week. Heads of lettuce 5 bucks. Every little bit does help when it comes to supporting local farmer and family.

This program has helped me afford local produce, as a senior. I am grateful for the assistance and eat a healthier diet.

I have been a working poor and 🙏👍for recognizing the people who deserve a bit of help as they are doing the best they can 😘👍

This sounds a little more complicated to enroll in than it needs to be. A lot of people probably never heard of it, I only did because I read this post.

It is illegal for me to grow a garden . We can all afford to eat if we can grow.

How does a senior apply?

On my smalltown the food bank puts your name in a lottery for this Seniors included in lottery

Here are the general qualifications: Income Threshold: Generally for lower-income households. Some specific, local programs have identified a threshold of $27,000 or less for a single person or under $50,000 per year for a household. Targeted Groups: Participants must be seniors/elders, pregnant individuals, or families with children under 19. Participant Requirements: In addition to income, participants must: Participate in a food literacy program (e.g., cooking, gardening, or food budgeting). Be able to travel to a participating market to shop for themselves. Allocation: Because demand is high, coupons are often prioritized for new participants each year. Important Information: Coupons are not handed out by the BC Farmers' Markets directly. You must connect with a local community partner (such as a food bank, community centre, or neighbourhood house) to apply.

Glad to see this continue. With the increase in cost of living, this program should be increasing, not staying even with last year. Our local food bank is inundated with need.

It’s a great program. Too bad they won’t extend it to Farmstands as well. Some producers can’t make it to market because of work schedules. And there is more than just vegetables out there.

Where do people apply? Thinking of those I know who need this program.

Have you got an email yet?

I wish a person on disability could get the help too :(

What cities have this

I didn’t know that the program existed

Please if you have these coupons do not be embarrassed to use them they are a good as anyone's money to a grower! I would agree it is a slippery slope to have people pay with government coupons but Remember large scale agriculture is subsidized in this country in way that dwarfs this little program. We are all in a sense are paying with coupons at the big supermarket. As a small scale grower grower I can tell you when you see the higher prices at the farmers market, no one is getting rich off you. That is the true cost of food. Yes that should scare you

Excellent work, BC Ministry of Health! 👍👍👍 An amazing program

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