Dairy

Dairy Products and Genetics

Canada's dairy sector plays an important role in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food economy. Dairy production generates $5.31 billion in total farm cash receipts and $13.1 billion in manufacturing sales. The dairy industry ranks fourth in the Canadian agricultural sector following grains, red meats and horticulture. The Canadian dairy industry is also renowned for the superior quality of its cattle herd. Canada exports genetic material to 80 different countries.

Canadian dairy producers supply milk to two main markets: fluid milk, including flavoured milks/creams and organic milk; and industrial milk, used to make products such as butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and milk powders. Canada produces more than 665 different varieties of fine cheeses including raw milk, goat and sheep cheeses.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, through an ongoing partnership with industry and other government stakeholders, is a lead contributor to the Canadian Dairy Information Centre. The Centre is a comprehensive on-line reference, including information on food safety, quality, nutrition, marketing, statistics, dairy genetics, various cheeses and regulatory details for the Canadian dairy industry.