Farm leaders said the system provides Canadian consumers with a dependable supply of locally produced food while supporting rural communities nationwide.
Canadian farmers from the dairy, chicken, turkey and egg sectors gathered in Ottawa this week to highlight the role supply management plays in supporting Canada’s food system and economy.
The event, dubbed the Downtown Diner, was held on October 27, 2026, bringing together parliamentarians, community members and representatives from Canada’s supply-managed sectors for discussions centred on food production, food security and the future of Canadian agriculture. Hosted by Dairy Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada, Egg Farmers of Canada, and the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, the one-day pop-up aimed to connect consumers and policymakers with the people producing food across the country.
Organizers said the event featured snacks made with Canadian-grown ingredients while providing an opportunity for farmers to explain how supply management contributes to stability within the food system. According to the participating organizations, more than 14,295 farmers are represented across Canada’s dairy, poultry and egg sectors.
A central theme of the event was the ability of supply-managed sectors to provide a steady supply of domestically produced food while maintaining animal welfare and food safety standards. Representatives emphasized that the system gives producers greater predictability, helping support long-term investment and growth on farms.
The organizations also pointed to the economic importance of the sectors. They cited figures showing Canada’s supply-managed dairy, poultry and egg industries contribute $45.13 billion annually to the country’s gross domestic product and generate $14.86 billion in tax revenue.
The event coincided with the release of the latest edition of The Farmers’ Times, a publication that shares stories from producers and highlights consumer interest in Canadian-grown food. Organizers said the publication is intended to give Canadians greater insight into the people and operations behind the food found on store shelves and kitchen tables across the country.
The collaborative effort reflects a broader push by Canada’s supply-managed sectors to raise awareness about the role farmers play in maintaining a secure domestic food supply while contributing to economic activity in communities from coast to coast.