Compton-Stanstead MP and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau visited the Valley Clan dairy farm in Compton on Friday, August 16, where she announced the federal government’s $1.75 billion compensation package over eight years for Canada’s nearly 11,000 dairy farmers. Surrounded by local MPs from the Liberal caucus inside the Enright family’s barn, Bibeau addressed the dozens of farmers who gathered for the occasion. “Today’s announcement shows how much our government respects our producers and believes in the supply management system,” she said, amid moos from one of the Valley Clan’s 105 cows. “As promised, the compensation is deployed fully and fairly to allow everyone to make the best decision based on the new market realities and their respective situations.” The announcement follows ratification of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Of the $1.75 B promised, $345 M will be paid in the first year in the form of direct payments and will benefit dairy producers in proportion to their quota held, namely $350 per cow. A dairy farm the size of Valley Clan would consequently receive $36,750 in direct payment in the first year. See full story in the Monday, Aug. 19 edition of The Record.
Bibeau announces $1.75 billion for dairy producers
By Emilie Hackett, Special to The Record
