July 20, 2004

Canadian Dairy Farmers Waiting For Price Boost
 

Dairy farmers from across Canada are gathering in Moncton, Tuesday. The effect they are still feeling from the BSE crisis is one topic on the agenda: farmers can no longer sell dairy cows to the United States, so they are losing money.

Dairy farmers are requesting for a hike in dairy products, but the Dairy Commission is not receptive.

Jaques LaForge, Grand Falls diary farmer, says he has lost tens of thousands of dollars a year since the start of the BSE crisis. He says there are many in the same situation.

Last week, farmers asked the Canadian Dairy Commission to make an exception. They want it to raise the price that indirectly affects the cost of all dairy products in September instead of at the end of the year.

LaForge says that request was turned down. "It was totally ignored. We wanted a special increase because of that situation - it's a special situation - and they did not recognise it at all."

John Core, chairman of the Canadian Dairy Commission, says the loss of the U.S. market is just one of the things hurting dairy farmers.

He says farmers will get their price change, but they will have to wait for it.

"We clearly stated that we are committed to a significant price change to be announced in December for February."

This means an increase in the price of milk, cheese and other dairy products can be expected early in 2005.