This year’s APC was a little different than previous years, as all but one presentation was delivered by members of DFC. The lone outside presenter was Sam Heath, brand marketing lead for Tim Hortons Canada, who announced the expansion of the DFC-Tim Hortons partnership by introducing the Tim Hortons latte.

Tim Hortons will be serving lattes made with 100% Canadian milk with the slogan “Add a shot of coffee to your milk.” Heath mentioned each latte will include 12 ounces of our Canadian quality milk.

DFC has undergone many changes in the last year, one of the biggest being the launch of its new logo in November.

DFC board member and presenter Blaine McLeod spoke of the evolution of the DFC brand and outlined the steps we are taking in 2017 to create a strong and memorable brand for DFC, Canadian dairy farmers and Canadian dairy products.

Our marketing plans include creating a larger and clearer online presence. Martin Proteau, assistant director, digital and innovations, told delegates that DFC plans to create the most relevant, useful, credible and innovative dairy content platform in the world.

David Wiens, Caroline Emond, Isabelle Bouchard and Yves Leduc provided department updates for proAction, international, communications and government relations, and policy and trade.

Presentations by economists Rahul Kitchlu and Maxime Collette about the world dairy outlook and global marketing trends were well received by delegates.

We also held a special session on Feb. 6 with young farmer delegates to talk about why we lobby the government, how we conduct our government relations and how young farmers can support lobbying efforts.

Visit Dairy Farmers of Canada to find a copy of all APC presentations.  

PHOTO: Wally Smith, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC), addresses attendees of the 2017 Annual Dairy Policy Conference on Feb. 8. Photo provided by DFC.

Dairy Farmers of Canada
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 Dairy Farmers of Canada for more information.