BY GRASSROOTS DAIRY FARMERS UNITED
GUEST OPINION
Across our beautiful Island, dairy farmers got up at the crack of dawn today, just like every other day of the year. This is nothing new, and a story many people have heard before, but there is a change in our steps these days.
For several years our dairy industry has been used as a bargaining chip by politicians in international trade deals, and as a result many farmers have questioned themselves. Do we keep going? Do I try and pass this on to the next generation? Do I purchase the farm from my parents, or do we let this 4th, 5th, or 6th generation farm die? Stay in the industry we love and hope for the best or get out now while we can get some financial payback.
The business decisions farmers face continue to weigh heavily on their minds and their hearts. But times are changing my friends. Farmers steps are lighter, eyes brighter and the future is looking just a bit sweeter. Morning chores are fun again, new calves being born tell a story of hope. The spark inside of many dairy farmers that has been dimmed with recent news is strengthening.
So, what has changed you ask? What has made the heavy weight on a farmers’ shoulders just a bit lighter? You - the Canadian consumer. We only speak for a handful of farmers on this Island, but we are sure this feeling of support is shared by many dairy farmers across our united country. You have made our days just a bit easier, and our future a little brighter.
Dairy farmers are consumers too - and we have witnessed some phenomenal things happening in the dairy isle at the grocery store. We have witnessed the care that everyone is putting into their purchase. Consumers taking the time to look for the blue cow logo, reading the ingredients, and putting back products that are not Canadian.
We have witnessed two strangers discuss different products, making sure they were both buying Canadian dairy. We thank you. We've watched a very busy mother with two children in her cart, take the extra minute to make sure she was buying Canadian cheese. We thank you.
We've seen a large, national processor, Parmalat, finally sign on to using the blue cow logo, directly because of consumer pressure. We thank you. We've seen our local, producer owned processor ADL launch a new sticker campaign to make it easier for consumers to identify P.E.I. milk products. Again, we thank you.
The pride bursting from dairy farmers as we slowly walk down the dairy isle in the grocery store is phenomenal. The government may try and sell us short, trade us away like we are pawn in their game, but Canadians across the country are making their voice heard. We encourage you to keep that voice loud.
Call more processors to ensure they are using Canadian dairy, as them for the blue cow logo to help make your choice easier. Talk to your elected officials about the importance of locally produced food. Share with your friends and family the positive choices you are making to support Canadian farmers.
We know our future in the dairy industry will continue to be attacked, used as a bargaining chip and traded away by political powers, but for today we choose to be optimistic and celebrate the consumers who are stepping up and supporting us.
A simple thank you seems so small and so the only way we can continue to thank Canadians is to continue producing a superior product that you can feel confident putting on your table for your families every day.
We take a lot of pride in our work and the high standards farmers across Canada must keep, but for you, it is worth it.
- Grassroots Dairy Farmers United is a group of dairy farmers from across the Island, (with no ties to DFPEI), who are working together to help bring awareness to the changes the USMCA will bring to the industry
