![Canada_0[1]](https://www.thebullvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Canada_01.png)
Defending its position on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) said a survey of Canadian consumers shows most want the country’s dairy industry protected.
More than 70% of the 1,360 people surveyed agreed it was important for their government to protect the Canadian dairy industry. And, 89% said it was important, or very important, that the milk products they use come from Canadian farmers.
As part of TPP negotiations, Canadian negotiators continue to come under pressure to overhaul dairy policies.
“This is a clear message to the Government of Canada,” said Wally Smith, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada. “We’ve been saying all along that Canada’s dairy system is worth keeping. And consumers in this country clearly feel the same way.”
The poll, conducted by Environics Research, is considered to be accurate plus or minus 2.7%.
More than 80% of Canadians contacted said they didn’t mind paying more for milk produced in Canada because it doesn’t contain growth hormones. Almost nine in ten Canadians (86%), said they were concerned about lowering Canada’s food safety and quality standards.
“Canadian milk is produced according to standards that are among the highest in the world for safety and quality, and it’s because of supply management that these standards are enforced,” said Smith. “Canadians don’t want to see a free trade agreement threaten that.”
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) works to maintain policies that foster the viability of Canadian dairy farms and to promote quality Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk. Visit www.dairyfarmers.ca and www.canadianmilkmatters.ca for more information.
