Changes ahead for Canadian dairy producers warns industry leader Tuesday, February 24, 2009 by GEOFF DALECanadian dairy producers may be in an enviable trade position now but that is likely to change drastically when the latest round of the World Trade Organization negotiations conclude, says a representative of a multinational dairy corporation in Holland.Speaking at the annual Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium in Woodstock last week, Sybren Attema of Royal Friesland Campina told producers the Canadian dairy sector needs to start asking serious questions before the WTO Doha Round concludes. Formed by last year’s merger of Royal Friesland and Campina, the company produces and markets dairy products and ingredients.“You should repair the roof when the sun is still shining,” says Attema. “You need to look for answers now because the situation will change once the WTO negotiations are done.”Canada may be facing several major changes including the virtual elimination of dairy exports, he says. Producers need to ask questions about how to deal with stagnating domestic and shrinking export markets, growing imports, higher costs and the foreign investment strategy of dairy processors.He says Holland’s dairy sector has responded by focusing on continuous improvement, information exchanges about the industry, innovation in cattle breeding and achieving economies of scale through expansion (in recent years, the size of the average Dutch dairy farm has increased 5.3 per cent yearly). On the processing side, the merger of Royal Friesland and Campina has increased competitive power. Noting the latest round of WTO negotiations could end sometime this year, Attema stresses now is the time for Canadian dairy producers to prepare for a global marketplace without subsidies, quota systems and tariffs. He predicts the changes will be radical for Canadian producers, generated by a freer market but would not say whether it would mean the loss of supply management.“Canadian producers need to ask these questions now, so they will have the answers when these changes take place.” Royal Friesland Campina’s Dutch operations has annual revenues of about 9.1-billion Euros (about $14.5-billion (Canadian), with 22,000 employees and 100 production and sales locations in 25 countries. BF Green energy bill short on details New dairy quota policy would lower prices, limit access
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online