Canadian government invests to enhance sustainability, safety in dairy industry

CANADA – The Canadian government has announced a US$8.5 million investment aimed at enhancing sustainability and safety within the dairy industry.

Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriAssurance Program, the funding is designed to support dairy farmers in adopting more sustainable practices and improving product traceability.

The investment is allocated to two major projects. The first project, receiving up to US$5 million over five years, is focused on advancing sustainability and public trust in the dairy sector.

This funding will support the proAction quality assurance program, which provides a framework for high standards in environmental impact, food safety, and animal care.

The program aims to assist farmers in making environmentally conscious decisions, such as managing greenhouse gas emissions and water use, through on-farm assessments.

The second project, allocating up to US$3.57 million over five years, will be dedicated to enhancing DairyTrace, a national dairy cattle traceability program.

The program, which is crucial for maintaining animal health and public trust by preventing disease spread and ensuring sustainable food production, supports the industry’s compliance with new federal regulations on animal health and safety.

 “Dairy farms are at the heart of so many communities across the country, and I know just how hard our dairy farmers work to provide us with top-quality products while caring for their animals and the environment,” Minister MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food said.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to helping farmers adopt practices that lower emissions and improve product safety.

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, praised the initiative, noting, “Canadian dairy farmers are working hard to make their farms more sustainable. We are helping make sure they can provide some of the world’s best milk, cheese, and other products for future generations.”

David Wiens, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada, also welcomed the funding, highlighting that the DFC welcomes these AAFC investments, which will help the Canadian dairy industry find long-term success in safety and sustainability.

In addition, he added that the programs go hand in hand: improved traceability protects against and prevents disease spread, supporting the viability of our nation’s dairy farms. This results in less waste and a more sustainable food supply chain for all Canadians.

Despite the positive reception from industry leaders, some local farmers have misgivings. Concerns include implementing the new programs and potential impacts on small-scale operations.