We are in an impossible

An open letter to:

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Agriculture, Food
and Rural Affairs
Public Archives Building
11th Floor-77 Grenville St.
Toronto, ON M5S 1B3

Dear Minister Dombrowsky,
As you are aware, the producers of the Rainy River District are in an impossible position with regard to our ability to eat meat produced on our farms; we do not have an abattoir, so our meat cannot be inspected, and we are unable to legally continue to eat this good wholesome food in the manner we have been doing since our great-grandparents’ time.
Therefore, although it is illegal, we will continue to share meals, which include farm raised meat, with family and friends. We will continue to pack our own, and our school children’s lunches, with hearty home-grown food and when we send them off to college, we will continue to send our own produce to ensure that they have affordable and nutritious food.
If you would have us comply with regulations, you must provide us with the means to do so.
Additional comments:
We know that most producers feel that it is their responsibility to provide good food to their families and immediate communities. We are all aware that due to the regulations, that we are deprived of a possible way to provide to the surrounding community but we will not break the promise of providing for our immediate family regardless of the regulations. The Meat Act puts every producer in a position that they cannot slaughter and process their meat in a safe environment. Our only option is to slaughter and process the animal on the farm. This is done in most cases in sub-standard conditions without permissible supervision of a professional. The potential of food-born illness is now many times higher than it was before when we were able to make use of the services of a professional and an inspected meat facility. We have offered OMAFRA several solutions on how to solve our disastrous situation for the intern but have received no response. Time is of the essence since animals are slaughtered every day. Since OMAFRA is not reacting to our situation all the responsibility of any potential food-born illness incurred through our practice, we are forced to take, are solely the responsibility of OMAFRA.
Signed,
Amos Brielmann
Chair - Rainy River Committee - Local Food for Local People
Pinewood, ON