Over the past year, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) collaborated with farmers, industry leaders and the provincial associations to develop advocacy initiatives that responded to 2025's challenges and prepared the industry for 2026. Throughout what was a turbulent year for our industry and the economy at large, we reminded Canadians – from consumers to the highest levels of government – of the integral role dairy plays in our food sovereignty and security.
Pride in Canadian dairy and our farmers
Throughout the tariff uncertainties of 2025, DFC worked collaboratively with the Canadian government and agricultural stakeholders in the spirit of a unified approach.
In the fall, DFC showed how important the dairy industry was to Canada ahead of the planned 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). We launched an extensive education campaign aimed at both parliamentarians and the public, highlighting the benefits of supply management and the importance of the government’s promise to defend the dairy system in all negotiations.
DFC also rallied members of the dairy sector to participate in the government’s CUSMA consultations this past fall. Thousands of farmers and industry members made their voices heard by sending letters to Global Affairs Canada in support of supply management through DFC’s OurCountryOurMilk.ca website.
Foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank and access to veterinary healthcare tools
Following significant advocacy by DFC and other stakeholders, progress was made toward Canada’s first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank in 2025. In June, the first contracts to establish this bank were awarded. Two companies will supply multiple types of vaccine products to build up the vaccine bank.
Progress continued on access to a wider variety of veterinary healthcare tools to help reduce antimicrobial resistance. The federal government’s Red Tape Review Progress Report, published in September, reflects recommendations proposed by DFC and a coalition of other national stakeholders within the joint white paper on Access to Veterinary Healthcare Tools. This includes relying on decisions made by foreign regulators to urgently facilitate the entry of needed veterinary drugs into Canada, a key recommendation from the white paper and high priority within DFC's recent lobby efforts.
Expanding farmer resources
DFC worked with its dairy supply chain partners to ensure farmers have access to more resources related to sustainability, herd management and research.
Earlier this year, DFC was proud to unveil its new student program for students and postdoctoral researchers involved in DFC-funded research projects. This initiative is designed to help bridge the gap between research and real-world applications. Students receive access to networking and training events, knowledge translation and transfer activities, and recognition for their valuable contributions to the future of the Canadian dairy sector.
At the start of the summer, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) renewed their Sustainability Incentive program. Through annual incentives of up to $4,000, the program rewards farmers who are FCC customers, adopt environmental best management practices and encourage continued sustainable farming. Starbucks Canada added an incentive of $1,000 to eligible applicants in the categories of Top Achieving and Most Improved. Applications are still open: dairy farmers who meet a combination of herd sustainability metrics and proAction Environment module results can qualify.
In September, DFC unveiled the newly developed Canadian Dairy Hub website with Lactanet and partners from across the dairy industry. Intended to turn the latest dairy research into accessible information, the new Canadian Dairy Hub is a bilingual online platform that gives dairy farmers practical, science-based resources such as videos, fact sheets, webinars and other tools.
Advocating for dairy on the international stage
DFC delegations represented the Canadian dairy sector at several high-profile international conferences. In May, DFC representatives were invited to speak on a panel at the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN)’s 26th annual conference on the dairy campus in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. The IFCN is a diverse network of academia, farmer organizations and government partners from all over the world to share information for better decision-making.
The panel discussion centred on the pressures of competitiveness and trade on dairy farming. The team used the opportunity to explain supply management before an international audience, expanding on how this system helped minimize market disruptions caused by tariffs while also supporting Canadians in choosing local products.
A team led by newly elected Second Vice-President Bart Rijke attended the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. DFC represented the Canadian dairy industry and shared the accomplishments of our farmers with an international audience. The team also discussed Canadian dairy’s continued leadership in sustainable livestock practices with Thanawat Tiensin, assistant director-general, director of the animal production and health division, and chief veterinarian at the FAO.
DFC would like to thank all the farmers, industry members, supporters and partners who made our advocacy efforts successful in 2025.
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 the DFC website for more information.
