Feds to compensate Canada’s dairy farmers
by CM Staff
In order to receive their payments, producers must register for the program through the Canadian Dairy Commission
PHOTO: Jenny Hill/Unsplash
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS, Que. — The Government of Canada announced that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has mailed letters to all dairy producers that gives them directions on how to access the second payment under the Dairy Direct Payment Program. Dairy farmers will receive, on the basis of their milk quota, cash payments of $468 million in 2020-21, $469 million in 2021-22, and $468 million in 2022-23.
In order to receive their payments, producers must register for the program through the Canadian Dairy Commission prior to March 31, 2021.
“Dairy production is a cornerstone of our rural regions. By sending the letters about the second compensation payment, our Government has taken an important step in providing full and fair compensation to dairy farmers,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in a prepared statement. “We will continue to ensure that our supply-managed producers have the tools they need to succeed for generations to come.”
This next step builds on the promise to deliver compensation valued at $1.75 billion to dairy producers for the market access concessions made under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) over the course of four years instead of eight.
The Government of Canada is also moving forward with consultations with chicken, egg, turkey and hatchery egg sector representatives on the design of the $691-million, 10-year compensation programs, which were also announced by Minister Bibeau in November 2020. Responding to sector demands, these programs will help drive innovation and market development for farmers. Consultations are expected to conclude early this year, and program details will be announced as soon as possible.
