Dairy companies wrote to governors of 25 states to ask their help in heading off a change in Canadian dairy policy, due to take effect on Wednesday, that they say will further discourage shipments of ultra-filtered milk and other dairy products to Canada. The dairies say the new National Ingredients Policy violates trade agreements.
The letter asks the governors, all in states with significant numbers of dairy farmers, to “consider all tools at [your] disposal to ensure Canada understands the seriousness of this issue.” The dairy industry says it already is at a disadvantage because of “exorbitant” tariffs imposed by Canada on dairy products and restrictions set by NAFTA on access to the Canadian market.
Industry groups wrote to President Donald Trump early this month to ask for help in the dispute from the incoming administration. However, Trump’s top trade officials have not been confirmed in their posts by the Senate.