Dairy quota rules change

New rules that come into play in December will govern exchanges of dairy quota taking place on or after January 1, 2025.

The changes, which aim for an exchange model that reflects current market conditions, were approved by BC Milk Marketing Board on September 6 and announced in a bulletin to producers this week.

A key change is the ditching of a rule that set price increases based on a formula linked to demand over three consecutive quota exchange periods.

The length of time required to trigger changes in price was seen as restrictive. By ditching the rule, the new quota exchange system promises “the economics of supply and demand will determine the movement of the monthly quota transfer price.”

The board has also removed the requirement for producers to offer a minimum volume for sale, again to ensure a more responsive exchange model.

A policy regarding priority sellers – producers exiting the industry – has been removed to accommodate producers who want to sell quota for any reason, again allowing the quota exchange to reflect actual market conditions in terms of the amount of quota available for purchase.

The removal of the minimum volume and priority seller criteria underscore the desire for a more flexible quota exchange model for producers trying to right-size their operations in the face of ongoing cost of production pressures. The changes were discussed at producer meetings last winter, with a majority of producers in favour of an exchange system that was more responsive to the market forces of supply and demand.

The new exchange model will adjust pricing by no more than $1,000 each month within a core range of $30,000 to $40,000 per kilogram, determined by reviewing transfer prices over the last 14 years and forecasting future values that could support the longevity of the dairy industry.

Transfer prices outside the core range will adjust by $100 as they diverge from the core range and then by $1,000 when prices start heading back towards the core range.

The changes will be discussed at the BC Milk Marketing Board fall producer meetings, which begin October 24 in Nanaimo and wrap up November 7 in Prince George.

An online discussion will be held November 1 via Zoom.

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It provides for more than produce. It includes, eggs, meat and honey!

Good program. Additionally, I toured the Kelowna Food bank yesterday. They are serving about 12,000 people a month. Lots are working people.

I have seen people at the Saanichton markets asking if vendors take the coupons and being embarrassed when the vendor says no. Are there signs that are placed on the tables so people know who is part of the program and who is not?

You would have a slim choice of meat if you only get $27.00 .

“While it’s unfortunate that programs like this are necessary, I’m grateful they exist to support families and local farmers.”

Food stamps?

This should be made a little more accessible, especially for seniors

What exactly is this and how does it work? I've never heard of it before. How does this get applied to us who it's intended to help?

Christy Sakai its a week and if you to the markets you can get a small bag of carrots 5bucks, a few potatoes, usually a bag of apples are 5 bucks, and in summer you have fruit choices. Yes doesn't seem like alot but it could be stretched at the markets and remember its a week so really ypu going to use the whole bag of carrots in a week, probably not so you have something for the next week. Heads of lettuce 5 bucks. Every little bit does help when it comes to supporting local farmer and family.

This program has helped me afford local produce, as a senior. I am grateful for the assistance and eat a healthier diet.

I have been a working poor and 🙏👍for recognizing the people who deserve a bit of help as they are doing the best they can 😘👍

This sounds a little more complicated to enroll in than it needs to be. A lot of people probably never heard of it, I only did because I read this post.

It is illegal for me to grow a garden . We can all afford to eat if we can grow.

How does a senior apply?

On my smalltown the food bank puts your name in a lottery for this Seniors included in lottery

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Glad to see this continue. With the increase in cost of living, this program should be increasing, not staying even with last year. Our local food bank is inundated with need.

It’s a great program. Too bad they won’t extend it to Farmstands as well. Some producers can’t make it to market because of work schedules. And there is more than just vegetables out there.

Where do people apply? Thinking of those I know who need this program.

Have you got an email yet?

I wish a person on disability could get the help too :(

What cities have this

I didn’t know that the program existed

Please if you have these coupons do not be embarrassed to use them they are a good as anyone's money to a grower! I would agree it is a slippery slope to have people pay with government coupons but Remember large scale agriculture is subsidized in this country in way that dwarfs this little program. We are all in a sense are paying with coupons at the big supermarket. As a small scale grower grower I can tell you when you see the higher prices at the farmers market, no one is getting rich off you. That is the true cost of food. Yes that should scare you

Excellent work, BC Ministry of Health! 👍👍👍 An amazing program

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