Mark got a call today from the USDA today. They had gotten an anonymous complaint that read like a litany of past and future projected transgressions. Basically that 1) the place looked like a commercial farm 2) we were operating without the appropriate licenses for selling eggs and pork 3) we would continue these illegal activities at our new farm 4) we had been doing so for the past four years
Given the details it is disheartening that this was most likely a person we know. It goes to show that it doesn’t matter how well you try to do the right thing respectfully in your community – someone will not like it.
My husband explained that we sold the eggs from our own chickens on our front porch (legal with no licenses needed). How we sold our pork by the whole or half animal with customer butchering (again, all legal) and that we claim the farm income on our taxes and have an EIN.
The USDA case worker said we were good to go and the case was closed. Still, unsettling to know the lengths someone in your own community will go to complain about you with little or no information about what is allowed or permitted.
Oh, so sorry someone is so miserable that they thought that you could get in trouble.
Could it be the prior owner? What did they hope to accomplish.
Ah, Bainbridge Island. We got a complaint the first time we did chickens (at home in Eagledale) saying that there was a “mobile rendering plant” and “chicken heads and eggs” … unclear where these heads (and eggs?? wtf) were located, that this person was able to complain about them — they didn’t really go anywhere but processing table to compost. Huh.
Anyway, I tell myself that that kind of thing, plus land prices, is the trade-off for the educated, affluent, friendly, supportive community of shoppers, who I love.
Glad to know that we’re not the only ones! But a Federal Agency knocking on your door isn’t much fun. The upside is we got a clean ticket and we continue to operate legally.
Hmm… “Educated” sounds debatable, considering the behavior described.
I’m sorry someone ratted you out to the feds, but I’m very glad the person who visited was reasonable. A visit by the USDA is just about my worst nightmare…