Antimicrobial research

DFO INVESTS NEARLY $540,000 INTO ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP RESEARCH

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is pleased to announce an investment of nearly $540,000 in research at the University of Guelph into antimicrobial medicines, which are used to treat, control and prevent animal and human disease and improve production and growth. The project also received more than $3 million from the Ontario Research Fund. Dairy Farmers of Ontario is proud to support Dr. David Kelton in his research into antimicrobial stewardship solutions in the Ontario dairy sector.

Antimicrobial stewardship promotes the prudent use of antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, to limit an increase in resistant organisms and is becoming an integral part of food systems around the globe.

“We are proud to partner with the University of Guelph, including Dr. David Kelton and his research team, as we work together toward finding sustainable, science-based solutions to reduce the use of antimicrobials without compromising animal health and welfare,” says Cheryl Smith, DFO’s chief executive officer. “We provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk. We value consumer trust in our industry and farm practices and work hard to meet their expectations every day.”

Dr. David Kelton received $959,000 for his research into antimicrobial stewardship solutions in the Ontario dairy sector. Kelton, a professor in the department of population medicine, is working with U of G population medicine professors Dr. David Renaud and Dr.

DID YOU KNOW? Lactanet’s virtual annual general meeting (AGM), Ontario region, will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2021, from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m., immediately following Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) AGM. Stephen LeBlanc on improving responsible use of antimicrobials in the Ontario dairy sector.

Kelton says pressure is mounting globally to address antimicrobial resistance, and sustainable solutions will require a collaborative, multidisciplinary One Health approach.

“For Ontario’s $2.4-billion dairy sector, solutions start on the farm with sound, science-based approaches to antimicrobial stewardship,” he says. “This research will improve responsible use of antimicrobials in the dairy industry, through educational outreach aimed at more effective targeted antibiotic use and by validating alternatives to antimicrobials.”

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DFC PRESIDENT PROVIDES UPDATE ON B.C. FLOOD AID AND ADVOCACY EFFORTS

By Dairy Farmers of Canada CONTRIBUTOR

My thoughts and prayers continue to accompany our friends and colleagues affected by last month’s flooding in British Columbia. The images of flooded farms looked disconcerting. Yet, at the same time, we have seen incredible solidarity from dairy farmers on higher grounds that rushed to help those affected by the floods. They are nothing short of heroes.

I spoke with the president of the BC Dairy Association (BCDA) and informed him Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) will assist BCDA with securing federal aid. Further, DFC has been in contact with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to identify emergency assistance and programs to support producers affected by the floods.

As well, our colleagues from Gay Lea Foods announced they were sending 24,000 kilograms of premium milk replacer to support the producers. DFC was proud to support this initiative by covering freight costs for the shipment.

I would also like to thank DFC employees who have contributed about $4,000 to date to the BC Dairy flood recovery fund.

ADVOCACY UPDATE

New Parliament has opened with an emphasis on sustainability.

The 44th Parliament opened last month with a speech from the throne outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming session. The speech was relatively short compared with previous ones, but one theme stood out as a clear priority for the incoming government— sustainability.

The government’s emphasis on sustainability aligns with DFC’s own focus in this area and shows why we need to continue to make environmental stewardship a priority. From our investments in research to reduce the environmental impact from dairy farming, to efforts to improve biodiversity, to the work we’ve done to develop benchmarks to better assess the environmental impact of dairy and to your invest-

PIERRE LAMPRON, DFC’s president.

ments in green technologies and the continued adoption of better farm practices, dairy farmers have already shown great leadership on the environment.

Further, DFC is teaming up with respected environmental organizations, such as Cleanfarms, Ducks Unlimited Canada and Tree Canada, to promote and advance sustainability in the dairy sector. Partnerships like these must be a priority if we are to succeed in our advocacy and in connecting with Canadian consumers.

We must continue to build on this progress and stay ahead of the curve since the government has expressed a goal of moving to net-zero emissions by 2050.

NEW PARLIAMENT

Among the files DFC will be engaged in under the new Parliament are promises made by the Liberals to establish compensation for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) within the first year of their mandate. DFC officials will continue to apply pressure to ensure the government delivers on this commitment. We will also make sure the front-ofpackage labelling and marketing to kids regulations promised by the Liberals in their electoral platform reflect the nutritious nature of dairy products.

TRQ CHALLENGE

Under CUSMA, most of Canada’s tariff rate quotas (TRQs) have been allocated to processors, similar to allocation in place under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The U.S. Trade Representative is challenging the manner in which Canada has allocated its TRQs, triggering CUSMA’s dispute resolution process earlier this year. Both governments have now had the opportunity to argue their positions before the panel adjudicating the challenge, and a decision is expected soon. DFC continues to work closely with the federal government in standing firm against the U.S. challenge.

Separately, the government was expected to announce its new TRQ allocations earlier this fall; however, the announcement was put on hold in light of the federal election and current U.S. challenge to Canada’s TRQ allocation.

TRADE AGREEMENTS

DFC continues to follow negotiations between Canada and the United Kingdom toward a permanent trade agreement. Staff continue to advocate with the federal government to ensure it does not make any further concessions on our domestic dairy market. We will also monitor the process for new countries who want access to the CPTPP, which include the U.K., China and Taiwan.

LEGISLATION PROTECTING SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Finally, as the Bloc Québécois promised to reintroduce a bill to protect supply management in new trade agreements, the bill made it to the third reading during the last minority government. The Bloc now hopes the bill will go through the full legislative process and become law.

STAY INFORMED

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