Canadian milk matters-thousands of dairy farmers from across Canada gather for rally on Parliament Hill

OTTAWA, June 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, thousands of dairy farmers and supporters came together for a rally on Parliament Hill to highlight the critical importance of supply management in Canada.  This was in addition to other regional events, one held in Prince Edward Island at the office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAuley, and one in downtown Regina. Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) President Wally Smith, joined by representatives from all 10 provinces, called on the Government to take action to ensure a sustainable dairy industry.

"We are here today, from all corners of this nation, not only to celebrate the economic, social, and health contributions and benefits of nutritious and high quality milk to our country, but to also celebrate the supply management system," said Wally Smith. "To ensure the continued sustainability of the supply management system, the Government needs to work with us to tackle these challenges head on. We want to thank Canadians for their support and ask the Government to work with us to ensure a robust industry."

The situation in Canada is significantly better than others around the world where supply management has been dismantled. With low global milk prices, and massive surpluses, the global markets are failing and foreign governments have had to step in to keep their national dairy industry viable. The Canadian dairy industry is currently facing a number of challenges that need to be addressed by the Government to ensure that the three fundamental pillars of the supply management system are sustained.

Quick Facts

As a key economy driver of the national economy, the industry contributes:

• $19 Billion a year to Canada's GDP
• $3.6 Billion in taxes each year
• Supports 215,000 jobs

About Dairy Farmers of Canada

DFC is the national organization representing Canada's dairy farmers striving to create stable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry, today and in the future. Among other activities, DFC invests in research that will continue to reduce farming's impact on the environment and promotes practices that improve sustainability and viability of dairy farms, as well as save money and energy. To learn more, visit dairyfarmers.ca.

SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Canada (Corporate)

Media Contact: Isabelle Bouchard, Director of Communications, Dairy Farmers of Canada, 613-513-8879, [email protected]