DFC IN ACTION A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

It was a pleasure to gather together in March for Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC)’s 2023 Annual Policy Conference (APC). Farmers from across the country joined us both in person and online to discuss key issues of concern and opportunities for the Canadian dairy sector.

Just one week after our impactful Lobby Day activities following the APC, we saw three of our asks addressed in the Trudeau government’s 2023 budget:

• Establishing the Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund to support investments in research and development of new products based on solids nonfat, which represents $333 million over 10 years;

• Earmarking $57.5 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.6 million ongoing, to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to establish a Foot-andMouth Disease vaccine bank for Canada; and,

• Introducing a “Made-in-Canada” plan that responds to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.

During our productive time in Ottawa, I had the privilege to attend a gala dinner in honour of United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, as part of Biden’s first official visit to our national capital. It was an honour to represent Canadian dairy farmers and I thank Prime Minister Trudeau for extending me the invitation.

Michael Barrett Nominated To Dfc Board Of Directors

I would also like to offer my congratulations to Michael Barrett on his recent nomination to DFC’s Board of Directors. Mr. Barrett is well respected given his knowledge of the whole spectrum of the dairy sector, and comes with lengthy experience in dairy processing having chaired two important dairy processors key organizations. We look forward to bringing that experience and his strong interest in governance to our important deliberations at the DFC Board of Directors.

We at DFC are proud to represent dairy farmers in Ottawa. I look forward to our continued shared success.

Pierre Lampron President, Dairy Farmers of Canada

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is pleased to announce that Michael Barrett will be joining DFC’s board of directors as an external advisor. Mr. Barrett recently retired after more than 20 years at Gay Lea Foods Co-operative, including eight as President & CEO. He also chaired the Dairy Processors Association of Canada from 2019 to 2022.

“Michael will be providing advice to our Board of Directors and to our CEO in areas such as governance and dairy processing. He brings a lengthy experience in the dairy sector and is well respected in our community.

He is a great addition to our organization,” said Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada.