New Dairy Processors Organization Formed in Western Canada

July. 17/2017

(Vancouver, BC): The Boards of Directors of the Alberta Dairy Council (ADC) and the British Columbia Dairy Council (BCDC) are pleased to announce the formation of a new organization to represent the interests of dairy processors in western Canada.

On June 5, 2017 the Western Dairy Council was incorporated under the Canada Not For Profit Corporations Act. The Western Council is a new organization and will have a mandate to represent the dairy processing industry across all four western provinces.

“The idea of merging the Alberta and BC Dairy Councils has been on our minds for a number of years,” explains Ian Tott, Chair of the Alberta Dairy Council. “In light of the many changes that are taking place in the dairy industry today, we believe the time is right. Most of these changes are driven by forces at the regional, national and even international levels so increasing our presence in these forums is timely and important.”

“Many of the dairy processors in western Canada are members of both ADC and BCDC, so there are natural efficiencies in coming together as one organization,” adds Peter Bowman, President of the BC Dairy Council. “That said, the Western Dairy Council will remain active in provincial and local affairs. The goal is to consolidate and elevate our members’ voice across the western region without diluting our commitments in any province.” 

The Western Dairy Council represents the interests of approximately 20 member companies across western Canada, processing more than 96% of the raw milk in the four western provinces, generating almost $3 billion in annual dairy sales and marketing virtually all of the country’s best-known dairy products and brands. It held its first Board meeting on July 17 with unified operations rolling out in the months to follow. ​