Investing in improvements to practices and standards for dairy farmers

ST. ALBERT, ON, Jan. 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's dairy sector has a long standing reputation for sustainably and responsibly producing high-quality, safe, and nutritious milk and dairy products for Canadians. The dairy industry contributes $20.9 billion for the Canadian economy.

Agriculture and AgriFood Minister Lawrence MacAulay, and Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, Francis Drouin, were at Ferme Geranik today to announce an investment of up to $2.7 million to support Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) enhance public trust in dairy production through the continuation and implementation of their quality assurance program, proAction, as well as the pursuit of an industry environmental sustainability strategy.

Building on progress achieved to date with proAction, this investment will help DFC further develop and implement proAction, pursue stakeholder engagement, initiate an industry environmental sustainability strategy, and implement a plan to communicate with stakeholders, customers, and consumers on DFC's quality assurance and sustainability activities.

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased to support Canada's dairy farmers in their efforts to demonstrate that their products meet the highest standards for quality and safety, and are produced responsibly and sustainably. Building consumer confidence and trust helps ensure the growth and sustainability of Canada's dairy sector." 
- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Dairy farmers are a vital part of our communities. These investments will benefit our local farmers and enhance our reputation for high quality and sustainability."
- Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell

"Dairy farmers across Canada are committed to the highest standards in regards to sustainable production.  As such, our proAction® program has been instrumental in demonstrating farmers' responsible stewardship in producing milk that is of the highest quality. This funding will allow for ongoing improvement of proAction® and will ensure that the industry meets the expectations of consumers for decades to come."
- Pierre Lampron, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada

Quick Facts

• Through Dairy Farmers of Canada's proAction program, Canadian dairy farmers collectively demonstrate responsible stewardship of their animals and the environment, sustainably producing high-quality, safe, and nutritious food for consumers.
• The AgriAssurance Program, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, supports projects, at the national level, to help industry develop and adopt systems, standards and tools to support health and safety claims about Canadian agricultural and agri-food products.

Additional Links

• Canadian Agricultural Partnership 
• AgriAssurance Program - National Industry Association Component
• Dairy Farmers of Canada
• proAction

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

For further information: Katie Hawkins, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [e-mail]

Related Links

www.agr.gc.ca