Dairy Farmers of Canada at the 2024 IDF World Dairy Summit

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) was on hand advocating for Canada’s farmers at the International Dairy Federation’s (IDF) World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, Oct. 15-18. Here, representatives from the global dairy community gathered to discuss how they could continue offering safe, nutritious and wholesome products while upholding dairy’s place in sustainable food systems.

On the final day of the summit, IDF and the Food and Agriculture Organization formally signed the Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability; DFC acted as one of the formal supporters. The declaration was made to “reiterate and reinforce our commitments for a sustainable transformation of the dairy sector.” It recognizes the critical role of dairy in sustainable food systems from socio-economic, environmental and public health perspectives, while calling on the international community to support the wide adoption of dairy practices that reflect local needs and realities.

DFC President David Wiens led the DFC delegation, and he ensured the hard work of Canadian dairy farmers was acknowledged as the force behind our nation’s reputation as a global sustainability leader. In a speech to the Dairy Leaders’ Forum, Wiens hailed Canadian dairy farmers for the progress they’ve already made, as well as the role that economics play in the adoption of more sustainable practices.

“Like all dairy farmers around the globe, we are stewards of the land, and the protection of the environment is something that is at the heart of our industry,” Wiens said. “The challenge ahead of us is not small. That is why I am so inspired to see the full value chain committed to collaboration and shared objectives.”

Wiens asserted the need for collaboration among the international dairy community in the interest of reaching shared goals so that no farmer, wherever they are, goes it alone. “We see collaboration as necessary to maintaining and further enhancing not just our own operations but the sustainable food supply of tomorrow,” he said.

Also in Paris, at the IDF’s 118th general assembly, Canadian Gilles Froment was elected as president of the IDF. Froment, who currently serves as senior vice president of government and industry relations at Lactalis Canada, brings over two decades of dedicated service to the IDF, serving on its board as both a board member and treasurer. With his extensive experience in both public and private sectors, DFC applauds Froment’s election and believes he will be a tremendous leader for the global dairy sector.

Lactanet and DFC launch new Canadian Dairy Hub

Lactanet and DFC are proud to unveil the Canadian Dairy Hub, a new destination for science-backed dairy farming solutions.

The Canadian Dairy Hub supports dairy farmers and their teams so they can learn, act and improve their operations as the industry changes. Users can access free science-based, practical resources to help them adopt best practices and innovations.

Resources on animal welfare and adaptations to the Code of Practice, animal health, sustainability, and reproduction and management are now available. Each topic features a suite of resource formats, including workshops, discussion groups, infographics and printable materials. Other digital resources available will include farmer testimonials, interviews with industry experts, webinars and online modules where users can learn at their own pace.

This project is developed by Lactanet with DFC funding through the National Dairy Knowledge Transfer Project. See what’s available and register for upcoming webinars by going to the Canadian Dairy Hub website.

Mark your calendars for DFC's 2025 annual policy conference

Join DFC and fellow farmers from around the country Feb. 3-6, 2025, in Ottawa for four days of discussing the consumer, economic and public policy trends shaping the dairy industry. The theme this year is "Dairy in times of change."

Dairy farmers are living through constant innovation and change, both in their sector and beyond. In response, our industry has continuously adapted to global instability, changing political views both at home and abroad, evolving consumer tastes and preferences, and the ever-growing need for increased sustainability efforts to mitigate climate change. Amid this landscape, Canadians have come to understand, in very concrete ways, what it means to be vulnerable to supply issues and the importance of food sovereignty as we endeavour to protect our national food security and self-sufficiency.

Please join us in discussing the key issues affecting our sector today and the tools needed to succeed and thrive in times of change. Visit the conference webpage in the coming weeks for registration and agenda details.