Urban agriculture: who is minding the store?
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Many cities and municipalities are considering bylaws to enhance local food production. But questions remain about the implications for animal health, nutrition, odour and pest control
and codes of practice
by JIM DALRYMPLE
Urban agriculture has been receiving increased media coverage over the past year. But can backyard gardens and small livestock holdings provide a significant supply of food and at what cost? What percentage of the over five million inhabitants of the greater Toronto area and other cities and towns across Canada can be fed through urban agriculture?
Urban agriculture is equated with organic farming, but that is not realistic. Poultry is popular with some who want to raise livestock in urban areas. Of particular interest are eggs. A few backyards have also had one or two pigs. How are the pigs transported for meat production? Some people also feel that raising goats is possible to provide milk and even meat.
One city, Vancouver, has already set up a sanctuary at the city's expense where citizens who decide they don't want their poultry can drop them off.
What about biosecurity and animal and producer health? Vaccines are used by commercial farmers to protect the health of their poultry and livestock. Will these be available to, and used by, urbanites? Will they have access to the proper veterinary expertise when needed and any antibiotics if required?
Rural farmers are concerned about the declining number of large animal veterinary practitioners in Ontario as more and more graduating veterinarians are focusing on companion animals.
Knowledge of farm animal treatment today is in the capable hands of large animal experts. Will veterinarians whose primary focus is pets be knowledgeable in treating farm animals? Will they have ready access to products that improve the animal's health?
Commercial farmers have to take Livestock Medicine courses on an on-going basis. What training and requirements will urban people have to undertake? Will these small farmers be aware of plant and animal diseases and know how to prevent and treat diseases from occurring?
Avian influenza, a major concern in poultry production, is a reality in many parts of the world. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has the authority to deal with diseases such as avian influenza and poultry operations can face slaughter of all birds and the need to disinfect their premises. Will backyard operations be registered and will they face similar control? How does the government know of their existence? Some responsibility will likely fall to the local Medical Officers of Health and their staff and to municipal authorities to monitor backyard operations. A system like dog licensing may be required.
Odours and fly control can create problems for the urban farmers and their neighbours. Pests such as skunks, rats, mice, raccoons and even coyotes can play havoc with these small farming units.
Codes of Practice for the care and handling of all farmed species are set down by national committees composed of animal scientists, veterinarians, humane society members, farmers and government specialists. These Codes of Practice serve as our benchmark for animal care requirements and recommended best practices. These codes are constantly under review and many are currently being updated by the National Farm Animal Care Council. The Recommended Code of Practice for Egg Production is currently in the review process.
Who will oversee the humane production of backyard flocks and the handling of other animals? The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a difficult enough task in dealing with pets and wildlife without taking on additional responsibilities.
Proper nutrition is important for livestock as well as humans. There are National Research Council standards for all protein, mineral and vitamin needs for all farmed species. Table scraps may form part of poultry diets but do not meet all nutrient requirements. Who will assure that the proper nutritional needs of animals are met in backyard farms?
What happens when a bird dies? Will it be properly disposed of or simply be placed out with the weekly garbage? Farmers are required to dispose of carcasses in a safe, environmental friendly manner.
When the hen ceases to produce eggs, what will the homeowner do with it and, if it is used for meat, will it be humanely and safely handled through to consumption? Do these homeowners know the proper methods of preparing birds for human consumption and safe handling to prevent any bacterial contamination?
Many cities and municipalities are considering bylaw changes as they look to enhance local food production, but a lot of unanswered questions remain. BF
J.R. (Jim) Dalrymple is a former Ontario government swine specialist and president of Livestock Technology Services Ltd. in Brighton.