Agriculture - The dairy industry has a significant gross domestic product (GDP) ranking in every province. The industry occupies a significant land base, and utilizes vast agricultural land reserves (ALR) and resources (water, soil and other agricultural products).
Economic Development - The British Columbia dairy industry generates significant economic output of which a significant portion is considered new, or value-added to the economy
Grant, Contribution or Other Financial Benefit, Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution, Policies or Program
Industry - The British Columbia dairy industry supports a sizeable number of jobs such as farmers, vets, truck drivers and researchers. Accordingly, we have an active interest in the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector.
Grant, Contribution or Other Financial Benefit, Policies or Program
Employment and Training - The British Columbia dairy industry has an outward interest in availing industry employees of ongoing training and opportunity in the areas of technology and animal welfare.
Research & Development - To facilitate, encourage and financially support projects and programs that have been identified by the British Columbia Dairy Association’s Research and Education Committee (DIREC) to benefit the provincial dairy industry.
Project applications that are consistent with the following objectives and address one or more of these priorities are encouraged:
extension activities that serve to enhance producer knowledge and awareness
dairy farm operating costs of production
dairy cattle health, welfare, and productivity
youth interest in our industry as a career
sustainable nutrient practices on our farms
innovative new practices and technologies
special projects of interest as identified by BCDA Board of Directors / DIREC
projects conducted in British Columbia will receive priority
Grant, Contribution or Other Financial Benefit, Policies or Program, Regulation
Science & Technology - We have an active interest in genomics development for cattle productivity, robotics for automated milking systems, software development for administering quota and supply management related programs across Canada.
Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution, Policies or Program
Environment - The dairy industry is interested in sustainable development, and participation in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS).
Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution, Policies or Program, Regulation
Fisheries - Productive streams, estuaries and other bodies of water occupy agricultural land reserve (ALR) designated land frequently managed by Dairy farmers. Accordingly the dairy industry has a vested interest in protective legislation on this land.
Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution, Regulation
Health - As per Canada's food guide, we encourage the public to consume milk to meet the daily dairy requirements of important vitamins and minerals. Additionally, we have an outward interest in the Health of Animals Act and Regulations, with regards to Cattle Identification and Welfare. Animal welfare is both a primary concern of the dairy industry and to consumers.
Policies or Program, Regulation
International Trade - one of the main pillars for the success of supply management (on which the Dairy industry in Canada is based) is import control. We have an active interest in developing global trade policies in addition to tariff and import legislation.
Regulation
Consumer Issues - The perceived quality and safety of Canadian dairy products versus that of import goods is of paramount concern to the dairy industry.