A backyard flock near Kelowna is the latest to test positive for avian influenza, putting small-flock owners on high alert for this year’s highly pathogenic strain. A bulletin from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food on the evening of April 25 announced the positive result, which occurred in a flock of fewer than 100 …
SSMPA
Small-scale producers voice concerns
An industry survey by the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association has identified access to slaughter as the number one challenge producers across the province face. SSMPA wrapped up a province-wide sector survey earlier this year and presented the findings to approximately 72 viewers in a March 15 webinar. The survey aimed to ensure that challenges to …
Challenges linger for meat plants
As Canada enters its fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, meat processors continue to struggle with virus transmission among employees. Reported custom order cancellations and lower staff numbers exacerbate the ongoing capacity crunch small-scale producers face. While no new outbreaks have been declared at Lower Mainland abattoirs or meat-packing facilities since an outbreak at the …
New executive director for Small-Scale Meat Producers
Three years after its formation, the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association has hired an executive director to coordinate advocacy on behalf of members. Ava Reeve, a veteran of small-scale agricultural organizations, has been hired for the role with the assistance of funding from the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. Reeve also serves as executive director with …