Canadian dairy industry is strong
The good news? It wants to get even stronger
The Dairy Farmers of Canada did the right thing and should be commended for it.
It asked farmers to stop using palmitic acids in feed while launching a national investigation.
For likely the first time in its history, the lobby group, arguably the most powerful one in the country, opted to listen to Canadians. It is not easy to admit publicly that something is not right, especially in Canadian dairy.
Early on, the Dairy Farmers of Canada stated that nothing was wrong. On Feb. 19, it did acknowledge that something needs to be addressed and created a committee to investigate. On Feb. 25, the group halted the practice and launched an investigation. Quite the reversal.
Dairy boards are accustomed to receiving criticism. However, criticism in the past came from groups, such as animal welfare activists and vegans, who believed the sector should be outlawed. But this time was different. Criticism came from consumers who love Canadian dairy products.
HARD BUTTER
Whether the palm oil byproduct is the reason butter is hard is just one issue. What stunned most Canadians was to learn that palm oil, a product that comes from the other side of the world, was part of our dairy production process. Most Canadians just did not know. It also raised the question about other things we might want to know about dairy production but do not.
We protect and compensate our dairy farmers, and our love affair for dairy is longstanding. Most Canadians believed sustainability, local, natural and pureness are values embedded in the Blue Cow campaign we have seen for years. The image palm oil portrays just does not wed well with what the industry is all about.
Most Canadians would concur, starting with dairy farmers themselves. For many, something did not feel right, and that is a problem for the industry, whether it agrees with the public outcry or not. Simply put, our social contract with the industry was compromised.
Many have mentioned that Buttergate is very much a First World problem. Perhaps, but it was never to be considered as a scandal or a controversy. It simply pointed to a deep-rooted problem the dairy industry has had for a long time without acknowledging it, starting with the lack of transparency.
For the most part, dairy regulates itself, which is why processors have little to say about the quality of ingredients they lawfully must buy.
The focus of dairy research needs to change. Most of it has to do with increasing productivity and genetics at the farm gate. Research will need to address the disconnect between animal science and how we feed animals with how these practices affect the quality of dairy products and human health over time.
PRODUCT QUALITY
When it comes to dairy product quality, we are flying in the dark. For whatever reason, not many people look at butter's ingredients at the retail level. This has changed with the widespread talk of Buttergate.
This has also forced the industry to look hard at its practices. In more recent statements, the Dairy Farmers of Canada claimed that data suggests the quantity of palmitic acid in milk fat meets regulated standards. Yet, the industry is launching an investigation to see if our butter actually measures up to standards. The industry shouldn't have to investigate, as it should already have the evidence.
Replacing the use of palmitic acids in feed will not be easy. Many scientists say that there are few alternatives. But again, with research, Canadian-made alternatives can be designed and marketed properly. Other countries where the use of palmitic acids is also allowed are thinking of making changes to feed protocols, as well. This could be an opportunity for Canadian dairy know-how to continue to shine and do well internationally in dairy energy supplements.
It is also important to note that not all dairy farmers are using palmitic supplements to feed cows. We believe about 35 to 40 per cent nationally are using them. So, it raises the question as to why some dairy farmers have chosen not to use palmitic acids in feed despite its legality for at least a decade.
PUBLIC ON BOARD?
It would be important to perhaps set best practices in the industry, or at least revisit them while considering our dairy industry as a social system. In other words, whatever happens on the farm requires public acceptance. This is what Buttergate is all about.
The industry will come out stronger than ever on the other side of the investigation. What we have learned, though, over the last two weeks is this: product characteristics at retail are just one issue and not the most significant.
Many Canadians hope ethical and moral considerations of farm practices will be in the scope of the investigation. People involved should not just be like-minded stakeholders who are already part of the vast and powerful inner circles of the industry. The investigation should be open. It should not be just about productivity anymore, at least not in 2021.
It should also look at imported dairy products, as well. Perhaps reciprocity is necessary to protect our farmers unless our own sector considers a palm oil-free position as a competitive advantage. Everything should be on the table at this point.
Dairy farmers are good, responsible people. They were doing what they thought was right for them, for their herds and for the public. Boards, on the other hand, should have known that society has changed and the industry needs to adapt like any other.
We have supply management in Canada that allows for changes in farming protocols without financially penalizing farmers. We should use our system wisely, so it serves the Canadian population well.