Bibeau responds to dairy producers’ concerns

Following an article published yesterday where Pierre Lampron, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada urged the federal government to take action on promises made to dairy farmers, Compton-stanstead MP and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Marie-claude Bibeau said the government intends to honour its commitment.

“I completely understand the importance of the supply management system for our rural communities and our food security,” said Bibeau. “I assure you that our government will honour its commitment to fully and fairly compensate all supply managed producers and processors.”

In an email interview Bibeau explained that in July 2019 she announced $1.75 billion for dairy farmers over an eightyear period. There was a first instalment of $345 million paid, as Lampron pointed out, but Bibeau is insistent that a second compensation payment will be made before the end of the fiscal year. She also mentioned that there will be an announcement coming concerning dairy compensation related to the Canada-united States-mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

“I am sure you understand that we currently need to prioritize emergency pandemic programs,” said Bibeau. “The assistance we have granted over the past few months to the agricultural sector is also very important, whether it is the Canada Emergency Business Account, to help to welcome temporary foreign workers, buying back food in surplus, increased borrowing capacity for the Canadian Dairy Commission, or the transfer of $5 billion to Farm Credit Canada,” she explained.

“I also want to take the opportunity to thank our producers for their work,” added Bibeau. “I understand how difficult it is for them with each year being more unpredictable than the last.”

While there was no mention of exact dates that compensation will be released, or of a concrete repayment or support plan, Bibeau did say that there has been a commitment made to not give up any more market share from the supply management sector in future trade agreements.