This issue was omnipresent during the meeting, with many producers wondering why the government has been so slow to honour its commitment towards “full and fair” compensation for the market share conceded to foreign dairy production, a commitment which dates back several years.

Canada’s trade agreement with the European Union (CETA) came into force in 2017, while the trade agreement with the Trans-Pacific countries (CPTPP) came into force in 2018. Despite the government’s promises to compensate dairy farmers for these two agreements, Canadian producers are still waiting on a firm timeline to be announced for the balance owed.

The effect of these agreements has been further exacerbated by the coming-into-force of CUSMA, Canada’s new trade agreement with the U.S. and Mexico, on July 1. As a result of CUSMA and other trade agreements, Canada will have outsourced the equivalent of 18% of our domestic dairy production to foreign countries by 2024.

“Right before the 2019 election, the government announced a first installment on the compensation for CETA and the CPTPP, which was a fraction of the overall total farmers were promised,” said Pierre Lampron, president of DFC. “What happened to the commitment towards full and fair compensation for the remaining years? What about the compensation for CUSMA?” he wondered.

“Every now and then, when dairy farmers get impatient, the government reminds us of its commitments – but the time to deliver on those promises is now, since the consequences of those agreements are already being felt on the farm,” Lampron added.

This is why, following a motion that was adopted at its AGM, Dairy Farmers of Canada is calling on the government to announce the payment schedule and related amounts for the balance of compensation owed for CETA and the CPTPP, and announce a clear timeline and level of compensation for its promise on CUSMA. To be fair and equitable towards all dairy producers, this compensation must be granted in the form of direct payments.  

Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization which defends the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working in accordance with supply management principles, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national activities. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.