News from Canada!
HOME GROWN
By DICK GARDYNER
Staff Writer
The Federal Government announced today that beginning April
First 2006 All growers of vegetables for human consumption
will have to register their garden plots with Provincial
Regulatory Bodies.
It is a system similar to the gun registry, explained the
Federal Minister of Agriculture. The first years registration will
be free, allowing everyone to comply with the legislation that
was passed almost nine years ago.
Starting in 2007, graduated registration fees will be charged.
A backyard home garden that produces vegetables only for
consumption by the immediate family of the gardener will be
charged the lowest fee. Gardeners who wish to give their
produce to friends and relatives will be charged a slightly
higher fee, and will have to submit a soil sample for testing.
Those wishing to sell produce at Farmers Markets, or by the
side of the road. Will be assessed the highest fees, and will have
to bring their produce to testing stations once a year. To assure
that quality control guide-lines are being met.
When asked how he thought the gardening public would
respond to the sudden enforcement of these laws. The Minister
was quick to reply that: " the laws have been on the books
almost 10 years now, no one should have any complaints.
They have had a free ride so far, and now it is time to pay the
piper. Every time a home grown tomato is eaten, it means one
less will be sold at the supermarket.
This has repercussions throughout the food distribution system.
Importers, distributors,transportation companies, and retailers
operate on very thin profit margins. To use the tomato as an
example again, many imported tomatoes have (in an effort to keep
costs to the minimum) been watered with raw human sewage.
We can't let these companies suffer, and risk disruptions in the
food distribution system. Just because a few people like to play
in the dirt." He added.
Beginning enforcement on April First will show the public how
important this matter really is. Added the Deputy Minister. But
don't laugh too hard! Many similar laws are already being enforced.
Just try selling pies at the Farmers Market ;) or better yet eggs!
* Published in Section A, page 1 in the Friday, March 30, 2006 edition
of the Resorder & Thymes.
* Posted 4:30:02 PM Friday, March 30, 2006. |
