Thank you, Madam Chair.
My name is Matthew Flaman. My wife, sons and I are fourth- and fifth-generation dairy farmers from Vibank, Saskatchewan, near Regina.
Today I represent myself and 165 other dairy farmers in Saskatchewan. Thank you for the opportunity to offer my thoughts on the impact of the CUSMA deal on me.
Supply management has allowed our farm and my family to contribute to the local economy through using local employees, vets, ag dealerships and other services that are close to me. The stability offered by supply management has allowed me to have the confidence to invest in our farm, our community and our area. The concessions granted in the trade agreements now have created some uncertainty of the climate going forward.
Dairy farmers did not want to see concessions given, but they have been—3.9% on the CUSMA deal, and nearly 18% currently on the books. It is important for me that it's heard, in the words of our government, that “full and fair” compensation will be paid for the direct impact of these concessions. We've asked for direct payments, because we have had a portion of our market taken away. Programs that stimulate innovations are great, but they can be put in place at any time. They're not compensation for market loss.
We have received a payment so far from a previous European trade deal, and we've used it to improve efficiencies through cow comfort and ventilation in our youngest calf barn. We've also used it for funding the next generation, through succession planning.
I also want to speak about the export caps that have come into place through the CUSMA deal, which strike a nerve with me, not only as a dairy farmer, but as a Canadian citizen. As you've heard my fellow panellists say, these caps are unprecedented. To answer Mr. Prins' question, in my opinion, there's no chance that the U.S. or Mexico would ever let caps that were intended to be among three countries be spread out over the world. As a Canadian, this is very troubling for me, not just as a dairy farmer. The impacts go well beyond the dairy sector and can be used in any other industry in future trade negotiations. That scares me.
In conclusion, I want to say that dairy farming has given me a good life. It's given me a good opportunity to raise my family. It's given me an opportunity to put some local employees to work and put some young people through school. It's been a proud spot in my life. I want nothing more than for my business to thrive and for my sons to take over one day and also thrive.
I'm worried the industry is suffering a death by a thousand cuts. Not only are we giving up market access, but the export caps that don't allow us to move our protein concentrates around the world are an area of great concern to me, because they limit our ability to expand. If this continues to be the case, I'm not sure what advice I'll give my son in his endeavours to be a dairy farmer.
I appreciate the time you've given me. Thank you for this opportunity.