Dairy Farmers of Canada Annual Meeting Draws to Close, New President Elected

WINNIPEG, July 13, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - A new President was elected by dairy farmer delegates from across the country this afternoon. Wally Smith owns MariaHolme Farms in Chemainus BC, where he milks 75 cows and grows his own forage and corn.

"I'm very proud to represent dairy farmers in Canada," said the new President. "I want to recognize the work of Jacques Laforge over the years. I look forward to work with all of you and ensure a vibrant industry today and for our children."

Earlier today, dairy farmers and industry stakeholders heard testimonials from keynote speaker and agricultural leader Jack Wilkinson, who challenged farmers to produce food sustainably. There were also two panels; the first discussing agricultural policy that encourages farmers to be more sustainable and the second one included one dairy farmer and two dairy processors talking about what sustainable development means to them and their business, and how they leverage their sustainable practices with consumers. You can find the biographies and presentations of these speakers on DFC's website. These testimonials speak, not only to respect of the environment, but also to the resourcefulness and innovation in the dairy industry!

DFC also took the opportunity to announce the creation of an environment stewardship award to recognize dairy farmers who go beyond common industry practices. Starting in 2012, this DFC award will recognize the achievements of dairy farmers implementing environmentally sustainable practices, which positively contribute to climate change issues and/or manage natural resources efficiently.

Nominations for the Board were received and the Executive members will be named by the Board later today. The closing banquet tonight will also recognize the contributions of Jacques Laforge, outgoing President to DFC over 25 years on the Board, including the last seven years as President. Jacques is retiring from DFC. The banquet will also honour Richard Doyle, Executive Director, who has been with DFC for 35 years. He is staying on to serve DFC.

Dairy Farmers to Canadian ice cream lovers ...beware of imposters

'Frozen dessert' is not ice cream

MONTREAL, July 22, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Summer is here and Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is once again warning Canadians to beware of imposters masquerading as ice cream. They are urging all ice cream lovers to visit www.nicecream.ca to get the scoop on how to make sure they are buying real ice cream and not 'frozen dessert'.

There was a time when everything in the ice cream freezer was made from milk and was clearly labeled 'ice cream'. Recently, some manufacturers have removed the 'ice cream' label from major brands, replacing it with the term 'frozen dessert'. These products likely contain palm or coconut oils instead of cream. As a result, consumers are often completely unaware that the brands they buy are not ice cream. Instead they are buying a product that contains oils that many people are trying to avoid in their diet. Real ice cream is made from milk including ingredients derived from milk such as cream, skim milk powder and whey powder.

"There is nothing more satisfying on a hot day than delicious, cold, real ice cream made from 100% Canadian milk," says Solange Heiss, assistant director, marketing and nutrition communications at Dairy Farmers of Canada. "That's why Dairy Farmers of Canada is urging Canadians to look for the 100% Canadian Milk symbol on ice cream packaging and make sure it says ice cream not 'frozen dessert'."

DFC launched a new contest to help Canadians recognize when they are purchasing real ice cream and when they are buying 'frozen dessert'. Canadians can enter the contest for a chance to win a $10,000 trip to Jasper with their family at participating grocery stores, dairy bars and ice cream shops or on the internet at www.nicecream.ca. The website also links to the 'Make Better Choices' Facebook page where Canadians can upload their own funny videos and photos on the general topic of 'making better choices'.

Look for the 100% Canadian Milk Symbol

Dairy products bearing the 100% Canadian Milk symbol certify the origin of the milk used - renowned for its high quality, purity and great taste - and buying it supports local dairy producers and the economy. Dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk are rich in essential nutrients and are part of a healthy diet.

About Dairy Farmers of Canada

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry, today and in the future. DFC works to maintain policies that foster the viability of Canadian dairy producers and to promote quality Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk as part of a healthy balanced diet. DFC is completely funded by dairy producers.