Superstore and Sobeys Refuse to Buy Food Grown in Biosolids.

Both major food chains in Nova Scotia have said they will refuse to purchase any products grown in biosolids. Despite assurances from the NDP provincial government and Halifax Regional Municipality that biosolids are "safe", the evidence just isn't there. The Precautionary Principle has won out.

At a meeting last Fall in Kings North, government witnesses could not state with certainty that biosolid use was completely safe, and admitted there were problems.

One of the biggest concerns has been the testing procedures and the test criteria, which are far less stringent than tests conducted elsewhere. Currently, Nova Scotia tests for 11 pathogens, leaving thousands of other known pathogen levels untested. Neighbours around farms using biosolids complained bitterly about the smell.

Jeannie Cruikshank of the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors says the grocery stores also require suppliers to disclose the use of any non-agricultural generated bio-solids - which refers specifically to sewage sludge, a by-product of Halifax's sewage treatment plants.

Wonderful news for farmers, consumers and taxpayers in general. What many people don't realize is that the biosolid industry in Nova Scotia is 100% taxpayer funded. The cost to produce one tonne of biosolid is $175, but is shipped and sold to Valley farmers for $15/tonne, which doesn't even cover the cost of fuel.

Kings North Municipal Council voted last Fall to ban the use of biosolids, but the decision was overturned by the NDP government.

It's ironic that the NDP have traditionally positioned themselves as the champions of the people over corporate greed, but it appears that they could learn a few lessons from Superstore and Sobeys. Good on ya!