RE: “Dairy Farmers show some bend in supply management” (AF May 27, 2013, Sylvain Charlebois)
Charlebois states that the Canadian Dairy Commission’s introduction of Class 3(d) is a sign that supply management is on the way out, however, he misinterpreted this change. We wouldn’t endorse a change that would foster the movement for the demise of supply management. We would, however, ensure that our system evolves and we are continuing to meet the needs of those at the table.
We want to keep the milk made in Canada, consumed in Canada. This helps our local economies, keeps our family owned farms in business — all at a fair price to consumers. Class 3(d) was created to reduce the price of mozzarella for restaurants to promote domestic products being used, rather than lose support to non-standardized cheese products. Dairy farmers don’t set the price of your pizza, the retailers do. We are making a step to promote Canadian dairy products even more, but if those retailers chose to lower their prices is not ours to determine. (Did you see a drop in beef prices when BSE hit? I didn’t either.) This is a clear example of the dairy industry working with organizations like the Canadian Food and Restaurant Association for Canadians.
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We don’t claim that our system is perfect. I don’t think any marketing system can state that. However, supply management works for Canada. The cost of milk is comparable to many other countries, including the U.S. and Europe, and doesn’t use taxpayer dollars to bail out our farmers when prices dip. The predictability of the system allows our producers to continuously invest in technology on their farms and produce some of the best quality milk in the world by following some of the strictest regulations.
Mike Southwood
General manager
Alberta Milk
