Canadian dairy sector calls on government to defend food sovereignty in U.S. trade talks

Dairy Farmers of Canada and the Dairy Processors Association of Canada are disappointed to once again see dairy drawn into a broader trade dispute, particularly when Canada continues to uphold the commitments it negotiated and agreed to with the United States under CUSMA.

OTTAWA, August 13, 2026 – Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and the Dairy Processors Association of Canada (DPAC) are disappointed to once again see dairy drawn into a broader trade dispute, particularly when Canada continues to uphold the commitments it negotiated and agreed to with the United States under CUSMA.

“Canadians are understandably worried about the impact of U.S. trade disruptions and the impact it could have on their lives. It is also clear that Canadians believe in the importance of having control over our food supply and ensuring that Canada’s strong domestic dairy sector is not compromised,” said David Wiens, president of DFC.

“Our national food sovereignty is not up for negotiation,” added Wiens. “We are concerned about additional concessions after already being forced to concede significant market access through successive trade agreements, including CUSMA. We have made our concerns and position clear both publicly and with government: it is imperative that no more concessions on dairy or supply management are made in talks with the United States.”

“The trade relationship in dairy already​ massively favours the United States. U.S. dairy exports to Canada far exceed Canadian dairy exports to the U.S. by more than $600 million annually and have increased by more than 150% since CUSMA came into effect,” affirmed Mathieu Frigon, president and CEO of DPAC. “Canada's dairy processing sector is a major employer in communities across Canada, and our dairy industry depends on predictable, rules-based trade with our largest trading partner.”

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