By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from CP and Canadian Dairy Farmers

Dairy Farmers throw support behind PM in ongoing trade dispute

Jun 12, 2018 | 3:07 PM

LETHBRIDGE — Canada’s dairy farmers stand with their fellow Canadians in rejecting the US administration’s personal attacks on Prime Minister Trudeau and their industry.

According to Pierre Lampron of the Dairy Farmers of Canada organization, the attacks are founded more on rhetoric than fact.

“Canada has a trade deficit of 5:1 with the US on dairy alone; furthermore, 10% of the Canadian dairy market is already open to tariff free imports – compared to only 3% in the US.”

Lampron goes on to say, “US food companies, who have, and continue to, invest in Canada, recognize the value of the dairy system in Canada. The stability of our system, our sustainable production, and the quality of our milk are among the reasons making Canada such an attractive place to invest.”

Dairy Farmers of Canada, which represents about 12,000 dairy producers, contend the root of the US’ problem is that they’re producing too much milk in an oversaturated world market. 

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 26, 2024

8h ago

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

Canada already produces enough milk to fill Canadian demand, as Canada has less population than the state of California, and  Wisconsin alone produces more milk than all Canadian farms combined. They note, the Canadian market is too small to make a dent in US overproduction.

The supply management system, established in the 1970s, limits dairy, egg and chicken production in Canada, and puts steep tariffs on foreign imports beyond a certain amount. 

Canadian dairy farmers are concerned the sustained attacks by President Trump are an aim to wiping out dairy farmers in Canada.