Has the county devised a long term back-up plan for the GPT dock when SSA's coal dump investment scam has run its course? Are they crafting a framework that could supply ships of meat to China for processing?

“Something that would cost us $1 per pound labor here, they get it done for 20 cents in China.”

Widespread slaughter proponents testified Whatcom County could support only one or two slaughterhouses. By normal market metrics, we might support one - if the failing dairy industry survives, and we recruit production from a couple other counties, or elsewhere.

The County Council has now added two entire zoning districts, befuddling their language and definitions to restore factory chicken to pork and cattle operations. Originally a slaughterhouse rule, chickens were eliminated. Then the name mysteriously changed to packinghouses on advice of a conflicted planning commissioner. Now unlimited packinghouses and slaughterhouses are proposed for three entire zoning districts of the county. Chickens are back!

Is this market savvy of the highest order?  As demand for coal continues to decline, has the county foreseen the proverbial and eternal 'Pacific Rim advantage' in a new paradigm for corporate factory meat?

Why do they keep citing localvore demand for premium meat products?  This ordinance supports large-scale factory farms. A program for quality local product would site one optimally sized slaughter facility in the very best location, not rezone half the county for killing. The measure confuses the public's interest in high standard local butchershops with the grinding up of worn-out, GMO-fed dairy cows. China loves pork, and chicken, too.  If they can import product, leave the impacts behind, and get a share for themselves in exchange for cheap labor, well, that's what markets do best!  Isn't it?

Watch for notice of the new, revised, expanded slaughter ordinance here.

LINK

- Tip Johnson