Canadian dairy farmers urge Ottawa not to make dairy concessions in U.S. trade talks

Canadian dairy producers are urging the federal government not to offer any concessions on the dairy sector or Canada's supply management system as trade negotiations with the United States continue ahead of a key tariff deadline.

In a statement, Dairy Farmers of Canada said the country's food sovereignty "is not for sale" and warned that any agreement weakening the dairy sector would not be in Canada's national interest. The organization said Canada has already made several concessions in recent months in an effort to advance discussions with the United States, but argued that the Trump administration has continued to introduce new demands.

The group called on the federal government to maintain its position during the latest round of negotiations and not to make further concessions affecting dairy or supply management.

The statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian products beginning Aug. 19. Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously said his government remains committed to preserving Canada's supply management system. However, the federal government's current negotiating position on dairy has not been publicly outlined.