Canadian dairy sector calls on government to defend food sovereignty in USA trade talks

CANADA – Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and the Dairy Processors Association of Canada (DPAC) have urged the Government to defend the sovereignty of its food production while in negotiations with the USA.

They have said this is particularly concerning when Canada continues to uphold the commitments it negotiated and agreed to with the USA under CUSMA, the free trade deal between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that took effect on 1 July, 2020.

The companies raised concerns about additional concessions after already being forced to concede significant market access through successive trade agreements, including CUSMA.  

“Canadians are understandably worried about the impact of US trade disruptions and the impact it could have on their lives. It is also clear that Canadians believe in the importance of having control over our food supply and ensuring that Canada’s strong domestic dairy sector is not compromised,” said David Wiens, president of DFC.

The dairy groups also added that the current trade relationship in dairy already favours the US. Mathieu Frigon, president and CEO of DPAC highlighted that US dairy exports to Canada far exceed Canadian dairy exports to the U.S. by more than $600 million annually.

“Canada’s dairy processing sector is a major employer in communities across Canada, and our dairy industry depends on predictable, rules-based trade with our largest trading partner,” Frigon said.

While the sector appreciates and remains confident that the federal and provincial governments are working hard to defend Canadian interests and find solutions that will be appropriate for all sectors, Canada has already made several concessions in recent months to advance CUSMA review discussions with the U.S., only to be met each time with fresh demands.

According to recent Nanos data, more than 9 in 10 Canadians believe it is important to ensure Canada has as much control as possible over its food supply and thousands of Canadians have written to government in defence of dairy farmers and Canada’s food sovereignty.

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national policy, advocacy and promotional organization representing the farmers and farm families operating over 9,000 Canadian dairy farms.

DFC strives to create stable conditions for the dairy sector in our country. It also seeks to maintain policies that promote the sustainability of Canadian dairy production and promote dairy products and their health benefits.

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