A dispute between a Markdale organic turkey producer and the Turkey Farmers of Ontario has been resolved with the help of Provincial Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky.
Matthew Dick was upset over a new rule from the Turkey Marketing board that all turkeys had to be housed under one roof over fears they could be exposed to avian flu.
He says he would lose his organic designation over that ruling and battled the board for almost two years, to no avail.
However Dick says because of the Agriculture Minister’s involvement, they have reached a compromise agreement to let the birds remain outdoors.
He says the feed and water for the organic birds now must be covered by a roof, the birds must be fenced in and a week before slaughter some random birds must be tested for avian flu.
Dick says that’s good news for his two thousand Turkeys who now are enjoying the great outdoors.
While other agricultural producers are struggling, Dick says because of supply management, his Turkey operation is doing quite well.
In fact he says demand for organic turkeys far outstrips supply, so he and other producers are getting a very good return on their investment.
Dick says despite the recession demand for organic food by consumers is increasing.