DFC is pleased with the new Growing Forward 2 programs announced by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, on December 7th, 2012.
The new programs are aligned with dairy farmers’ priorities for the Canadian dairy industry, namely fostering strategic initiatives in innovation, and market development for continued growth in Canadian agriculture.
“Dairy farmers are considering how to bring together, under a single umbrella, various good agricultural practices that we have been working to develop in recent years,” said Wally Smith, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada. “We are pleased that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has been listening and has developed programs, such as AgriMarketing, that are in line with the industry-led programs and policies. This program will help Canadian dairy farmers in our development of an assurance program that is credible and demonstrates how we produce safe, high quality milk on our farms.”
Dairy farmers continue to place a high priority and investment on dairy research for a healthy world, investing in ways to improve our farms and production, as well as nutrition and wellness for Canadian people. The investment in research in the dairy sector is useful for the sector to continue reducing our environmental footprint, improving our animals’ health and well-being, and learning about the role of dairy products in cardiovascular health and in optimal nutrition.
We also welcome the AgriInnovation programs that encourage investment and modernization to create new innovative products at the processing level in Canada.
Source: Dairy Farmers of Canada