Andy Montoya
Canadian cheese is often criticized for being expensive, lacking variety, and poor in taste. The high prices are attributed to supply management policies that regulate the dairy market and protect farmers from market fluctuations. These policies, influenced by the power of farmers in Canadian politics, have reduced innovation and free trade, making it difficult to find international cheeses outside specialty shops. Additionally, government regulations favoring higher-fat fluid milk over milk solids and whey in cheese production have resulted in lower-fat cheeses that are dry, rubbery, and less tasty. While some praise Canadian cheeses like Balderson cheddar and Quebec's Camembert, others find the quality and variety lacking compared to international options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese prices | High |
| Dairy laws | Lax |
| Low-fat cheese | Dry and rubbery |
| Lack of variety | Difficult to find international cheese outside specialty shops |
| Government policies | Favour farmers over consumers |
| Supply management | Regulates the dairy market |
| Lack of innovation | Due to supply management laws |
| Trade negotiations | Hampered by supply management laws |
| Restaurant industry | Affected by supply management laws |
| Farmer power | Significant influence in politics |
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Canada's dairy politics
Canada's dairy industry is heavily influenced by lobbying efforts, with a powerful dairy lobby known as "Big Milk" or "the dairy cartel." This lobby spends millions of dollars to maintain relationships on Parliament Hill, influencing all four major political parties and cementing supply management into their election platforms. The influence of the dairy lobby has led to policies that prioritize the interests of dairy farmers over consumers, resulting in regulations that favor farmers but may contribute to lower-quality cheese.
One example of this is the government's response to the demand for lower-fat cheeses. Initially, cheese makers added milk solids and whey to create lower-fat cheeses with better texture and mouthfeel. However, the government changed the regulations to stipulate that the whey-to-casein ratio in cheese must match that of fluid milk, requiring the use of higher-fat milk. While this increased profits for farmers, it resulted in higher costs and a decrease in the taste and palatability of lower-fat cheeses.
Canada's dairy industry is also protected through import controls and tariffs. The country has implemented a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) system, which allows a certain amount of dairy products to enter duty-free but charges tariffs of up to 270% above a certain threshold. This system has been a source of tension with the United States, with President Donald Trump criticizing Canada's high dairy tariffs. However, these tariffs are intended to support and protect Canadian dairy farmers by limiting the amount of imported dairy that can compete with domestic production.
Overall, Canada's dairy politics are characterized by the influence of the dairy lobby, the implementation of supply management systems, and the use of tariffs and import controls to protect domestic dairy farmers. While these policies have their benefits, they have also been criticized for potentially contributing to higher prices and lower-quality cheese.
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High prices
Canada's high cheese prices can be attributed to various factors, including production costs, government regulations, and market dynamics. Firstly, production costs in Canada are generally higher than in other countries, including those for fertilizer, energy, and animal feed. These costs are passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices for dairy products.
Government regulations also play a significant role in keeping cheese prices high. Canada's supply management system, introduced in the 1960s and '70s, was designed to protect farmers from market fluctuations and ensure stable incomes. This system includes quotas on milk production, which artificially increase prices due to inelastic demand. Additionally, high import tariffs and strict quotas on foreign dairy imports limit competition from international cheeses, further driving up prices for domestic producers.
Canada's closed dairy market is another critical factor in high cheese prices. U.S. exporters, for instance, face significant barriers to entering the Canadian market, reducing competition and resulting in higher prices for consumers. The powerful position of farmers in Canadian politics has ensured the continuation of supply management policies, despite opposition from those who argue that they hinder innovation and free trade.
The impact of these factors is evident when comparing prices in Canada with those in the U.S. and Europe. Canadians often pay significantly more for cheese and other dairy products than their counterparts in these regions. While this benefits Canadian farmers by ensuring self-sufficiency and income security, it places a financial burden on consumers, who must contend with high grocery bills.
However, there have been recent developments towards reducing cheese prices in Canada. A trade deal signed last year slightly increased the quota on foreign dairy imports, which may lead to price cuts for consumers. Additionally, the Canadian government has committed to providing financial support to farmers and processors to offset revenue losses from increased competition. These measures aim to strike a balance between supporting domestic agriculture and making cheese more affordable for Canadians.
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Poor taste
Canada has a long history of cheese production, dating back to the early 17th century when cows were first brought to the country. Since then, Canadian cheeses have evolved and diversified, with the country now producing over 1,050 varieties and brands of cheese, including popular types like cheddar, Camembert, and feta. However, despite this rich history and diversity, some Canadians still believe that the cheese produced in their country is of poor taste.
One reason for this perception may be the strict dairy laws and regulations implemented by the Canadian government. While these laws aim to protect dairy farmers and stabilize their profits, they can sometimes result in lower-quality cheese for consumers. For example, regulations regarding the whey-to-casein ratio in cheese have made it difficult for cheese makers to produce tasty low-fat cheeses. By restricting the use of milk solids and whey, which improve texture and mouthfeel, the government's focus on supporting farmers may have inadvertently compromised the taste of certain cheese products.
Additionally, Canada's supply management system, which regulates the dairy market, has led to high cheese prices and limited import options. This system, which includes import controls and production quotas, was initially intended to protect farmers from market fluctuations. However, it has resulted in reduced competition and innovation, with international cheeses accounting for only a small fraction of the market. As a result, Canadian consumers have limited access to diverse cheese varieties, and the high prices they pay primarily benefit domestic producers.
The concentration of cheese manufacturing in specific regions, particularly Quebec and Ontario, may also contribute to the perception of poor taste. Historically, Quebec cheese faced challenges in establishing its reputation, especially in Britain, where it was regarded as inferior due to its perceived Catholic terroir. Even within Canada, Ontario's cheddar was once considered superior to Quebec's cheese. While Quebec has since experienced a boom in cheese manufacturing, with numerous cheesemakers setting up shop in the early 2000s, the historical reputation and regional preferences may still influence perceptions of taste.
Furthermore, cultural influences and personal taste preferences play a role in how Canadians perceive the taste of their cheese. In anglo-Canada, where the culture is more Americanized, cheese is often viewed as an ingredient rather than a standalone delicacy, which can shape expectations and taste evaluations. Ultimately, the perception of poor taste in Canadian cheese is subjective and varies across individuals and regions, reflecting the complex interplay of taste preferences, cultural influences, and the impact of government policies on the dairy industry.
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Lack of variety
Canada's cheese market has been criticised for its lack of variety. This is due to a combination of cultural, historical, and political factors.
Historically, Canadian cheese production was largely farm-based until the mid-19th century when farmers in Ontario began converting to dairy farming, with cheddar as their main export. In 1864, the first commercial factory for industrial cheese-making was set up in Norwich, Ontario. By the turn of the 20th century, Ontario had 1,242 cheddar factories, and cheddar had become Canada's second-largest export. However, by 2012, Canada became a net importer of cheese, indicating a shift from predominantly domestic production to a reliance on foreign imports to meet demand.
Cultural factors also play a role in the limited variety of cheese in Canada. In the past, cheese was considered a luxury in Quebec, and it was not consumed regularly. Additionally, Quebec cheese faced reputation issues in Britain, where consumers associated its Catholic terroir with inferior quality.
The Canadian government's policies on dairy imports further contribute to the limited variety of cheese available in the country. High tariffs and import controls are implemented to protect domestic dairy farmers and manage supply. While these measures aim to stabilise prices and support local farmers, they also restrict the range of international cheeses accessible to Canadian consumers. The dominance of the dairy industry in Canadian politics ensures that these policies have broad support, despite their unpopularity among citizens who desire greater access to diverse cheese varieties.
The lack of variety in Canadian cheese extends to the types of cheese produced domestically. While Canada presently manufactures over 1,050 varieties and brands of cheese, with most falling into the categories of firm, soft, or semi-soft, there is a perceived bias towards certain types. For instance, one source mentions the prevalence of cheddar, with Ontario alone having numerous factories dedicated to its production. This focus on specific varieties may contribute to the perception of limited options available to Canadian consumers.
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Government intervention
Canada's dairy industry is valued at nearly $7 billion, and the government has a long history of involvement in the industry. In the 1950s, the federal government stepped in to help dairy farmers by implementing import controls and subsidies. However, these subsidies were unsustainable, and the government shifted to a policy of capping the volume of milk farmers could produce, giving them milk production quotas. This marked the beginning of a supply management system that still exists today.
Supply management is a term used to describe the policies regulating Canada's dairy markets. Unlike the European Union and the United States, which subsidize their dairy farmers, the Canadian government does not provide direct subsidies. Instead, they use other methods to financially support farmers. This includes import controls, which restrict the amount of international cheese that can enter the Canadian market. These controls protect Canadian farmers from foreign competition and ensure they receive higher profits, but they also limit the variety and increase the cost of cheese for Canadian consumers.
The Canadian government has also been accused of prioritizing farmers' interests over consumers' preferences. In the past, as consumers sought lower-fat cheese options, cheese makers added milk solids and whey to improve the texture and taste of these products. However, the government changed regulations to stipulate that the whey-to-casein ratio in cheese must match that of fluid milk, requiring the use of higher-fat milk. While this benefited dairy farmers, it resulted in higher costs and less palatable low-fat cheeses for consumers.
Health Canada has also promoted the consumption of lower-fat cheeses, which are often criticized for their unappealing texture and taste. These guidelines are meant to benefit consumers' health, but they are undermined by the dairy industry's focus on profits over taste. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's laws have been blamed for bringing unpalatable cheese products to the market.
While the government's interventions have aimed to support dairy farmers and stabilize the industry, they have had unintended consequences. The supply management system and import controls have reduced competition and innovation, leading to higher prices and limited choices for Canadian cheese lovers. Additionally, the government's support for farmers over consumers has contributed to the perception that Canadian cheese is of lower quality compared to international options.
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Frequently asked questions
Canadian cheese is not considered to be bad cheese. In fact, Canada presently produces over 1,050 varieties and brands of cheese, with more than half of the cheese manufacturers located in Québec. However, there are a few reasons why some people may not enjoy Canadian cheese. Firstly, due to the country's supply management policies, Canadian cheese tends to be more expensive than imported cheese. Additionally, Health Canada's guidelines recommend consuming lower-fat cheeses, which can sometimes result in a less palatable product. Finally, the Canadian government imposes high tariffs on imported cheese, limiting the variety of cheese available to consumers.
Canadian cheese is expensive due to the country's supply management policies, which aim to protect farmers from unpredictable market fluctuations. These policies regulate the dairy, egg, and poultry markets, and result in higher prices for consumers.
The Canadian government imposes high tariffs on imported cheese to protect domestic farmers. As a result, international cheeses account for a tiny fraction of the market, making it difficult to find a variety of cheese outside of specialty shops.
