Supply management: A system worth fighting for!

Dairy Farmers of Canada's annual policy conference ends on an optimistic note

OTTAWA, Feb. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - Dairy farmers from across the country recently converged in Ottawa for Dairy Farmers of Canada's (DFC) annual policy conference. From February 3^rd to the 5^th, farmers met with government, held a series of discussions about the dairy industry, and attended conference sessions.

"The last few days have been very productive," said Wally Smith, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada. "All discussions have been promising for the dairy industry, with the goal to keep up the support for supply management. It's worth fighting for! For the future of dairy farmers, our industry partners and consumers."

At this year's policy conference, Caroline Emond, DFC's new executive director, was officially introduced to all those in attendance.

"I am thrilled to be back," said Ms. Emond. "One thing hasn't changed since my last tenure at DFC (1998 to 2006) – my passion to promote and defend dairy farmers. Like many sectors, the industry is facing many challenges and opportunities. I am a strong believer in supply management as a tool to achieve a prosperous dairy industry in Canada. Working together, as well as maintaining and building strong alliances and partnerships, would be key to our success."

DFC delegates also had the opportunity to meet with Minister Ritz in advance of his departure for Washington. They shared views on the global dairy situation, quality of Canadian dairy and the importance of supply management which supports Canadian dairy as an economic driver in all regions of Canada.  

Policy conference events included opportunities for dairy farmers to meet with other farmers, government officials, industry partners, and media. The days were filled with invited speakers, including:

• An update on international trade policy developments with Frédéric Seppey, Director General, Trade Agreements and Negotiations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• A panel on Succession Planning with Amanda O'Connell, of Carleton Place Ont., Benoît Simard, of Stanstead, Que. And Bryan Denis, of Saint-Cyprien, Que.
• A presentation by Renaud Sanscartier, Expert in agrifood economics at EcoRessources about the Economic Impact of the Canadian Dairy Industry
• A panel of Food Consumption Trends with  Mary R. L'Abbe, PhD, Earle W. McHenry Professor and Chair, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ryder Lee, Manager, Federal Provincial Relations, Canadian Cattlemen's Association/National Farm Animal Care Council and Dr. Jude Capper, Sustainability Consultant and Adjunct Professor of Animal Sciences at Washington State University.

Ms. Emond closed the conference stating "We look forward to a productive year in 2015. A year where DFC, dairy farmers and industry partners here work hard and collaborate together on a shared objective of growing the Canadian market for dairy."

SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Canada (Corporate)

Sandra Da Silva, Assistant Director, External Communications, Dairy Farmers of Canada, 647.633.3741