The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented fluctuations in demand for fluid milk across the Canadian dairy industry. We, at Dairy Farmers of Ontario, are committed to supporting Ontario’s dairy farmers during this time and will be taking all necessary steps and precautions to ensure Ontarians in all communities have access to safe, high-quality milk and dairy products. A message from Cheryl Smith, Dairy Farmers of Ontario's Chief Executive Officer, on the current situation can be found here.
We recognize consumers have questions about the impact to the dairy industry during this time. Dairy Farmers of Canada, the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canadian dairy producers, has provided a wealth of information for consumers, which can be found at the Dairy Farmers of Canada website.
We have also assembled answers to additional questions that pertain specifically to Ontario.
Has Dairy Farmers of Ontario been deemed an essential service? What about dairy producers?
DFO and dairy producers in Ontario have been deemed an essential service by the Government of Ontario as we are a vital part of the food supply chain in the province. Like dairy processors and grocery retailers, we are critical to ensuring that high-quality milk and dairy products are available for Ontario consumers across all grocery and convenience stores. However, we are taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our dairy farmers, drivers, processors, retail workers and all those in between who keep the supply chain moving.
Are DFO’s supply chain partners also considered essential?
Yes, all elements of the dairy production supply chain have been considered essential. This includes our farmers, truck drivers, employees at processing facilities and grocery stores. All elements of the supply chain are fully functional to ensure consumers have access to high-quality milk and dairy products.
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