Dairy Industry
Canadian dairy sector urges government to protect supply management in U.S. trade talks
Ottawa: Canada’s dairy industry is urging the federal government not to make further concessions on dairy or supply management as Ottawa continues trade discussions with the United States.
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and the Dairy Processors Association of Canada (DPAC) said Thursday they were concerned that the dairy sector was again being drawn into broader trade tensions, despite Canada continuing to uphold commitments under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
“Our national food sovereignty is not up for negotiation,” DFC President David Wiens said in a statement, warning against additional concessions after what he described as significant market-access concessions in successive trade agreements.
Wiens said the industry had made its position clear to the federal government and that “no more concessions on dairy or supply management” should be made in talks with Washington.
The call comes as Canada and the United States continue discussions surrounding the future of their trade relationship and the review of CUSMA.
DPAC President and CEO Mathieu Frigon said the existing dairy trade relationship already favours the United States, with U.S. dairy exports to Canada exceeding Canadian dairy exports to the U.S. by more than $600 million annually.
According to DPAC, U.S. dairy exports to Canada have increased by more than 150% since CUSMA came into effect.
Frigon also highlighted the economic importance of Canada's dairy processing sector, saying it is a major employer across the country and relies on predictable, rules-based trade with the United States.
The dairy organizations said Canada has already made several concessions in recent months as part of CUSMA review discussions but has subsequently faced additional demands from Washington.
“We won't apologize for wanting a strong Canadian dairy sector that ensures a reliable supply of milk from Canadian farms, produced to Canadian standards,” Wiens said.
The organizations also cited recent Nanos polling, which they said found that more than nine in 10 Canadians believe it is important for Canada to maintain as much control as possible over its food supply.
DFC represents more than 9,000 Canadian dairy farms, while DPAC represents the policy and regulatory interests of Canada's dairy processing industry. DPAC said its members employ more than 24,500 Canadians and contribute more than $16 billion annually to the Canadian economy.
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