Protecting Local Food: Why Proposed Changes to Saskatchewan’s Food Safety Regulations Threaten Small Farmers and Consumers
The Regina Farmers’ Market (RFM) is calling on our community to speak out against a proposed regulatory change that could ban the sale of farm-fresh eggs at farmers’ markets in Saskatchewan. If passed, this amendment would significantly impact local farmers, limit consumer choice, and set a dangerous precedent for the future of small-scale food production in our province.
What’s Happening?
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is proposing amendments to The Food Safety Regulations, which govern food sales, handling, and distribution across the province. The most concerning change, Amendment 6, would modify Section 22 by reclassifying farmers’ market vendors as “food distributors.” This change would require that all food sold by these vendors come from “approved sources.”
While this might sound like a minor adjustment, the impact on small-scale farmers is major: ungraded farm eggs, which have been safely sold at farmers’ markets for decades, are not considered an “approved source.” This means that, if passed, the amendment would immediately prohibit farmers’ market vendors from selling their farm-fresh eggs at farmers’ markets or other boutique retailers.
Why This Matters
This amendment is not based on new food safety concerns or evidence of risk. Instead, it introduces unnecessary regulatory barriers that will disproportionately impact small farmers while benefiting large grocery chains and industrial food suppliers.
For decades, Saskatchewan consumers have been able to buy fresh, locally produced eggs directly from farmers at markets just like the RFM. Existing food safety regulations already require proper handling and refrigeration of these eggs. Farmers’ markets offer a unique experience for consumers to shop directly from the producers of their food. Farmers’ market vendors provide arguably the highest level of traceability and accountability – allowing consumers a window into knowing exactly where their food comes from and how it was produced.
If these changes go through:
- Local farmers will lose an important source of income, threatening their ability to stay in business.
- Consumers will have fewer choices when it comes to buying fresh, high-quality, locally sourced food.
- Saskatchewan’s local food economy will suffer, with more food dollars funneled toward large grocery chains rather than staying in our communities.
- Food security will be weakened, making it harder for residents to access fresh, local food.
At a time when many people are choosing to support Canadian producers and strengthen local food security, these proposed changes do the opposite.
How You Can Help
The Government of Saskatchewan is currently collecting public feedback on these proposed amendments through an online survey, which closes on April 2, 2025. If you believe in supporting small farmers and protecting consumer choice, now is the time to take action!
Take These Steps:
- Complete the survey and make your voice heard. Oppose Amendment 6 and support the continued sale of farm-fresh eggs at farmers’ markets. Take the survey HERE.
- Spread the word: Share this information with your family, friends, and community members. Encourage them to fill out the survey and stand up for local food producers.
- Contact your MLA: Download our letter template HERE to express your concerns about the impact of these changes on local farmers and food security in Saskatchewan.
More information about the proposed amendments can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website by clicking HERE.
UPDATE: March 24, 2025
Our voices are being heard! The Ministry's survey was temporarily down on March 24 due to it reaching the maxiumum number of respondents, 3500. It is now back up, and we have been advised that the maximum number of responses has been increased to 15 000.
The traction that this issue has gotten over the last few days is incredible, but this is only the beginning! We have had preliminary discussions with the Ministry of Health, and they have advised that the survey is still the best way to make your voice heard. Please continue sharing the survey and OPPOSING AMENDMENT 6 before the April 2 deadline.
If you would like to leave a general note, the Ministry has advised that you can enter “N/A” for questions 1-5, OPPOSE AMENDMENT 6, and leave your comments at the end of the survey.
UPDATE: March 25, 2025
The Regina Farmers’ Market is pleased to hear that the Ministry of Health is reconsidering Amendment 6 and has extended the public feedback deadline to April 16. In a statement today, the Ministry clarified: “There will not be any need for the grading of eggs sold direct from farmer to consumer at Saskatchewan Farmers’ Markets.”
We are thrilled that the Ministry has recognized the vital role farmers’ markets play in the local food ecosystem. Farmers’ markets create opportunities for small farmers to connect directly with consumers, strengthen local economies, and promote sustainable agriculture. At RFM, food safety and public health remain top priorities, and our egg producers are especially pleased to continue providing nutritious, high-quality, and safe local farm products – just in time for our 50th anniversary this May!
We look forward to continued collaboration with our on-site public health inspectors and the Ministry of Health. To ensure ungraded farm eggs remain protected, we are calling on the Ministry to explicitly write this into the 2025 Food Safety Regulations. We want clear assurance that our small farmers and farmers’ markets will be safeguarded under the new regulations.
Most importantly, THANK YOU to our incredible community for making your voices heard. The overwhelming response has shown just how powerful we are when we stand together in support of local food and food sovereignty in Saskatchewan. Let’s keep the momentum going!
In the News
Thank you to all of the media coverage that has helped us raise awareness and rally support for our small local farmers!
- CKOM: Egg producers, farmers’ market crack down on food safety amendment
- CTV Morning Live: Find out what impact regulatory changes could have on Regina Farmers' market
- CBC BlueSky: Should Saskies be able to buy eggs at the Farmer's Market?
- CTV: Sask. farmers express concern over proposed food safety amendments surrounding sale of eggs
- CBC: Sask. government says ungraded eggs can now be sold at farmers' markets
- CTV: Sask. government clarifies egg policy, grading not required for direct sales from farmers
