Study Reveals Billions of Litres of Milk Wasted in Canada

A recent study published in the Journal of Ecological Economics reveals that Canada has discarded between 6.8 billion and 10 billion litres of milk since 2012, equating to an estimated retail value of $6.7 billion and enough to feed 11% of the Canadian population annually. The Dairy Supply Management System (DSMS), intended to balance milk supply and demand, has led to overproduction, causing farmers to waste excess milk rather than risk financial loss. Environmental impacts are significant, with the discarded milk contributing to emissions equivalent to those of 350,000 cars annually. Critics like Jerry Huigen, a dairy farmer, argue that surplus milk could instead be distributed to food banks, while the Dairy Farmers of Canada challenge the study's accuracy, citing reliance on estimates. Factors such as changing consumer preferences and supply chain issues are also noted as contributors to the waste. The report underscores ongoing challenges within the Canadian dairy industry and calls for improved management practices.