Dear editor,
I read with interest a recent letter (Record, Feb. 7) titled “Why do we pay so much for what we buy?”
I certainly cannot speak to the entire letter, as there were a number of issues that were brought up by the author. One thing I can do, though, is to bring perspective on the author’s opening questions regarding milk.
First, I want to commend the author for his interest in reducing the carbon footprint and buying local. In a time where government is seeking to broaden free trade with as many countries as possible, it is heartwarming to know that some consumers care about a safe product, produced locally, for the local market.
When it comes to milk, the author is correct in outlining that there is a price regulation committee that operates through provincial and federal powers to consult consumers, processors and farmers to set the base price for milk for farmers.
This, though, does not regulate what processors and retailers do when it comes to selling this product on the store shelf. Consequently, the prices will vary from store to store and that is reflected in this person’s experience recently. If the example given is correct, I’m not sure we need an investigative reporter to report on the fact that one store is selling a particular companies milk for 24.5 cents more per litre over another company's milk.
There is just some good competition going on here to grab a little more of the market share and it seems to have worked as Mr. Netterville expressed that he would certainly not pay this extra amount.
While I’m on the subject, I thought it best to inform the consumer that milk on Vancouver Island is produced in Victoria under the Island Farms label and it is also produced here in Courtenay under the Dairyland label.
This is indeed very local.
As for most other labels here in B.C., they would mostly come from the Lower Mainland and still would be considered local under the 100 Mile Rule, which many of us follow.
Milk is one of the purest foods that we have, produced locally and very nutritious. It is also one of the cheapest health foods that we consume.
I’m proud to produce milk and would be glad to open up my farm to interested people once the warmer weather comes if this readership would be interested in learning more about milk and the benefits we receive from milk.
Dave Taylor,
Comox Valley
Editor's note: Dave Taylor is a local dairy farmer who can be e-mailed at 24hourfarmer@gmail.com.