Representatives from Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) are in Washington with their supply managed partners for the beginning of the re-negotiations of the North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The dairy sector is not a part of the current edition of the free-trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, and DFC President, Pierre Lampron, hopes the status-quo will remain.
"We are here this week to support our government. The Prime Minister and his cabinet have clearly expressed their support and willingness to protect the dairy industry and supply management. We are here to ensure that their actions match their words," declared Mr. Lampron.
Over the last few months, the American President has pointed the finger at the Canadian dairy industry and supply management in his quest to find a market for the American dairy industry's overproduction. "As Prime Minister Trudeau said, supply management is a system that works for dairy farmers, Canadians and for Canada," added Mr. Lampron.
The goal of these first NAFTA re-negotiation meetings is to establish parameters and an action plan for future negotiations. DFC will be present on the ground at all future rounds of the re-negotiation, to support the Canadian government in its efforts to defend Canada's best interests.
Source : Dairy Farmers of Canada