THE POWER OF A PLAN

All businesses, whether dairy farms or organizations like DFO, need a focused plan in order to succeed.

Plans are like roadmaps, giving the driver and the passengers a route to the destination. At DFO, our team is laser-focused on getting there – fulfilling our mandate as a regulator and the sole delegated authority for the marketing of cow’s milk in Ontario. Our mandate is to support a dynamic, profitable, growing Canadian dairy industry.

Our strategic planning process looks ahead three years and includes longer term opportunities too. We are guided by our vision, mission, target, and foundational priorities in support of supply management, as well as who and how we serve.

Our strategic plan, updated annually, feeds our operational plan, or the day-to-day activities of all departments. Currently, at the halfway point of 2023, we are ahead on some projects and behind on others, while from a financial perspective, we are in a strong position. Our continued focus on cost containment has allowed us to offset more inflationary increases than expected.

Like any good driver, our eyes are firmly set on the road ahead and to developing 2024’s plan, while we monitor what’s happening around us and in the rearview on 2023’s plan.

As with all destinations, there are choices and adjustments along the way. Plans are meant to be fluid, redrawn and flexible. We must be nimble enough to adjust to face the unexpected – both to mitigate risk and take advantage of opportunities.

Strategy sets our destination. Plans tell us how to get there. But it is the passion and commitment of DFO’s team working together that will make it happen.

Cheryl Smith Chief Executive Officer