REGINA - The Regina Farmers’ Market (RFM) is expressing its opposition to the proposed amendments to Saskatchewan's Food Safety Regulations.
The changes stem from reclassifying farmers' markets as "food distributors" rather than "food producers." With these changes, food sold by distributors has to come from approved food sources.
"This amendment unfairly targets small farmers and restricts consumer choice," says RFM executive director Holly Laird.
RFM notes there haven’t been any new safety concerns presented for ungraded farm eggs to justify the changes.
With economic uncertainty for Canadians with imposed tariffs from the U.S. and China and the push to buy local, Laird said, "it is frustrating to see policy changes that make it harder for consumers to buy local and for small farmers to compete."
The ones who benefit from these changes in the RFM’s mind are large grocery chains.
This change also limits the accountability and traceability for customers of where these products are produced.
With the news, RFM is urging all residents to oppose the amendment by completing an online survey by April 6th.
