Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is proud to be the national, united voice of Canadian dairy farmers. We strive to defend and promote the hard work that goes into creating some of the best milk in the world. That includes sharing your progress on sustainability and nutrition to a global audience.

Sharing dairy’s sustainability successes at COP28

A DFC delegation attended December’s COP28 climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. DFC Director Korb Whale took part in a panel hosted by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture titled “Industry-Led Commitments to Agricultural Sustainability.”

Drawing on the Canadian agricultural sector’s comparisons and linkages to international initiatives and programs, the panel showed how our nation’s agriculture industries are a key part of a sustainable future. In his remarks, Whale shared how the dairy industry’s net-zero commitment works within our country’s unique environmental context.

Ensuring Canadian dairy voices are part of the conversation at the global level is critical, as international climate change policy will influence domestic targets and strategies. COP28 also gave DFC a chance to join other agricultural organizations to tell real stories about what dairy farmers are doing now, soon and long-term to demonstrate how their commitments align with consumer concerns while taking actions to reduce our carbon footprint. The team showed a global audience the changes many farmers are making through innovation and research, as well as those being explored through partnerships with national and international organizations.

Webinar sheds more light on the importance of dairy in landmark FAO report

In December 2023, Dr. Lynnette Neufeld of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) presented findings from the recent FAO report on terrestrial animal source food (TASF), nutrition and health, in conjunction with DFC and the Canadian Nutrition Society. TASFs are foods derived from livestock production systems, including Canada’s dairy farms.

The FAO report highlights the critical nutrient contribution of TASF and their role in supporting health throughout the life cycle. Results of this systematic review of the evidence on consumption of various types of TASF on diverse health outcomes across life stages were presented to participants.

Over 400 attendees, including a range of nutrition professionals like dietitians, researchers and members of government, joined the webinar to learn about this robust, evidence-based report, which included an analysis of more than 500 studies and some 250 current policy documents and dietary guidelines.

The webinar is available on the Canadian Nutrition Society's website.

Listen to DFC’s new Paths to On-Farm Excellence podcast

The proAction Environmental module is a valuable guide for farmers looking to enhance sustainability on their farms. To break down some of the topics within this module, DFC has released Paths to On-Farm Excellence, a bilingual podcast series on the approaches farmers are taking toward sustainability and animal welfare.

Epidemiologist Steven Roche hosts conversations with industry leaders and real dairy farmers as they share their perspectives on environmental stewardship, environmental farm plans and the importance of managing soil health, biodiversity and water on dairy farms.

Search for Paths to On-Farm Excellence on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nine in 10 Canadians say it’s important the dairy they buy comes from Canada

Canadians place a great deal of importance on maintaining a strong, stable domestic supply of dairy products. A survey by Abacus Data found nine in 10 Canadians say it’s important to them the dairy they buy, as well as eggs, chicken and turkey, come from Canada. The survey also found:

• 89% of Canadians say it’s important to them to purchase these products from Canada, including 38% who say it is extremely important.
• 92% of Canadians feel confident in the food safety and animal welfare standards used in dairy, chicken, turkey and egg farming in Canada because of supply management.
• 94% of Canadians prefer these foods be produced locally and in Canada under supply management.

The poll, conducted in November 2023, shows supply management instills trust among Canadian consumers in our farmers. These values are held across demographics, throughout the country and supported by a strong majority of voters from all major political parties.

As we move into the new year, DFC is working to maintain and strengthen these feelings by championing your work and dairy’s status in nutrition.

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canadian dairy producers. 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. Visit DFC’s website for more information.