Fresh Valley Farms is proud to partner with the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association (SSMPA). SSMPA represents British Columbia farmers and ranchers who raise meat outside the conventional industrial system. Their work helps protect family farms, improve regional food security, and strengthen the processing and marketing systems that small-scale producers rely on.
Why this partnership matters
Small-scale livestock farms in BC face real bottlenecks that have nothing to do with how well they farm. In SSMPA’s province-wide survey of 619 operations, the most reported challenge to running a viable meat business was access to slaughter. That shortage forces some farms to scale back, change their livestock plans, or haul animals long distances, which can add stress and cost.
SSMPA does the hard work of bringing producers, processors, regulators, educators, and buyers to the same table. Their goal is simple: build a thriving small-scale meat sector that helps BC communities access well-raised, high-quality meat, with strong attention to animal welfare and environmental care.
Work that aligns with Fresh Valley Farms
Fresh Valley Farms focuses on pasture-based livestock, direct-to-consumer sales, and on-farm systems (like our poultry abattoir) that protect land and animals. SSMPA supports this kind of farming by pushing for practical improvements across the whole supply chain, especially in processing and skilled labor.
The survey found that only 54 of 619 operations (9%) held slaughter licenses at the time. Many producers said they wanted more control over scheduling, animal welfare, and product quality, but lacked clear pathways, training, and support.  
That is why SSMPA puts so much effort into education, training, and better systems that fit small farms.
Regulation work that supports small farms
SSMPA has played an active role in provincial discussions about slaughter and licensing. The survey describes how new license categories, including Farmgate and Farmgate Plus, expanded options for on-farm slaughter and sales. Farmgate Plus no longer restricts sales by geography, which can help small farms reach more customers across BC.  
The survey also notes that, as of April 2022, BC had 57 licensed abattoirs, 4 Farmgate license holders, and 104 Farmgate Plus slaughter license holders. 
Building real processing capacity and emergency readiness
SSMPA’s work goes beyond policy. They also focus on practical infrastructure and readiness, especially as climate-driven emergencies become more common. Their Mobile Slaughter Trailer Project aims to support humane, safe harvesting in urgent situations, while also building long-term processing capacity and coordination. 
This matters because small farms need systems that can keep working when roads close, facilities fill up, or disasters disrupt normal logistics.
Steve’s involvement
Fresh Valley Farms co-owner Steve Meggait has been active in the broader agricultural community through SSMPA. He has contributed to provincial conversations on sustainable meat production and was a founding board member of the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association.
That work fits Fresh Valley Farms’ values. It is not only about selling meat. It is about building a healthier local food system that can last.