DFC works to influence public policies that support Canadian dairy producers and promote the health benefits of dairy products.[2]: 6
The organization is very active and is said to have an "outsized" influence in Ottawa.[5][6][7]
It is "the most deep-pocketed lobby group in Canada" with nearly $70 million in annual revenues, a very large amount for a single-sector interest group.[8]
In 2023-24, there were hundreds of meetings between DFC and the Prime Minister's office, federal departments and agencies, members of parliament and senators.[8]
A prominent subject discussed was Bill C-282, a bill to exempt supply-managed sectors from future trade negotiations, which would add greater import protection for the dairy sector.[8][9][10][2]
In January 2019, the federal government of Canada gave $2.7 million to the organization.[11]
An initiative by the organization was to have products that contain 100 percent Canadian dairy products indicated by using a specific label that states "100% Canadian milk". A follow-up study investigating the impact of such a label revealed that Canadians were willing to pay more for dairy products that use 100 percent Canadian milk products, versus non-Canadian certified counterparts.[12]
The Dairy Farmers of Canada "Quality Milk" logo is used to help consumers identify products that contain 100% Canadian milk and Canadian dairy products.[13] Introduced November 1, 2016, the new logo will gradually replace the previous origin logo which was commonly known as the "Little Blue Cow".[14]
