Farmer Defends Supply Management

Speaking on behalf of Meadow Lynn Farms, Sharon Judd said consumers are deluding themselves if they think the dismantling of supply management in Canada will lead to lower prices.

Supply management was dismantled in Australia and New Zealand several years ago. Wholesale prices came down, but prices at the retail level remained much the same. Instead of benefiting the consumer, retailers and processors pocketed the difference.

“The reality is retailers and wholesalers will gobble that up and the consumer will see none of the benefit,” Judd said.

Critics of supply management often cite the example of cheaper dairy products in the United States. The U.S. does not have a supply-managed system, but what critics don’t mention is that American consumers top-up incomes of dairy producers through a complex network of subsidies. These ultimately come out of the taxpayer’s pocket. Taxpayers in Canada provide no such support.

Because of supply management in Canada, all concerned know and pay the true, upfront cost of producing milk. The system guarantees farmers a fair return that allows them to put the interests of their animals first. The system also guarantees consumers a reliable, safe supply of high-quality milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream.

“Americans use synthetic hormones on their cows,” Judd said. “It’s legal there. They are not legal here. We have the highest quality milk in the world in my opinion. We receive a return on our investment that allows us to keep cow comfort top of mind. That’s important because a happy cow gives more milk.”

Judd was speaking at the Simcoe Public Library as part of Norfolk County’s celebration of the U.N.’s International Year of Family Farming. The Judds operate a fourth-generation dairy farm on the south side of Simcoe. Meadow Lynn Farms has 90 Jersey cattle, 45 of which produce milk.