New Nanos survey finds overwhelming support for Canadian control of the food supply and strong backing for supply management as CUSMA review discussions approach.
As Canada moves toward a review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) (Read: USMCA Not Renewed - What the Decision Means), new public opinion research suggests Canadians remain firmly committed to protecting domestic food production and the country's supply management system.
The survey, conducted by Nanos Research and commissioned by Dairy Farmers of Canada, found broad support for maintaining Canadian control over the national food supply and defending dairy farmers during future trade negotiations with the United States.
According to the research, 91 percent of Canadians believe maintaining Canadian control over the country's food supply should be a priority. The findings come at a time when agricultural trade issues are expected to be closely examined as part of the upcoming CUSMA review process.
Support for Canada's dairy sector was also evident throughout the survey results. Nearly seven in 10 Canadians (68 percent) said the federal government should strongly defend the interests of Canadian dairy farmers during trade negotiations.
The data further showed continued support for the principles behind supply management. Approximately three-quarters of respondents (74 percent) indicated they support the objectives of the system, which is used in Canada's dairy, poultry and egg sectors to help balance production with domestic demand and provide farmers with stable returns.
The survey suggests Canadians are not interested in major changes to the framework. While 21 percent said they could support concessions that preserve supply management, only 10 percent favoured abandoning the system altogether.
In contrast, 64 percent said Canada should defend both farmers and supply management without compromise.
Nanos Research Chief Data Scientist Nik Nanos said the current political and trade environment is helping shape public opinion on agricultural issues: "We are in an environment where Canadians likely have a sensitivity to making further concessions to the United States, and many are unconvinced that accommodations to U.S. requests will improve Canada's bargaining position."
Nanos noted that growing public support for Canadian industries may be influencing attitudes toward agricultural trade policy.
"The current narrative, which asserts that the nation needs to stand up against the U.S., has likely fuelled greater public support for the defense of farmers in the face of American demands on supply management," said Nanos. "It is therefore not surprising that when the U.S. Administration points to the dairy sector, that the response from average Canadians is more support for dairy farmers."
The results provide insight into the broader public sentiment surrounding agriculture and trade as federal officials are in discussions with Canada's North American trading partners.
For Canada's dairy sector, the findings highlight continued public confidence in supply management and a strong desire to maintain domestic influence over food production policy. As trade negotiations evolve, the survey suggests Canadians want food security, farmer viability, and national control over food systems to remain key priorities.
The research was conducted by Nanos Research on behalf of Dairy Farmers of Canada.