Downtown Diner event celebrates Canadian farmers and the food they produce

OTTAWA, October 3, 2025 — A special event took place this week to celebrate Canadian food and the farmers who make substantial contributions to our national food system. Parliamentarians and the Ottawa community were invited to attend the Downtown Diner, a pop-up event on Sparks Street, where they enjoyed snacks made with fresh, local ingredients. The event highlighted farmers' commitment to feeding Canadians and their pivotal role in strengthening the nation's food self-sufficiency and security.

Farmers representing the Canadian dairy, chicken, turkey, hatching egg and egg sectors took part in the event, answering questions about farming and agriculture, and discussing government policies and the vital role of supply management in maintaining a strong Canadian agricultural sector.

Through the system of supply management, more than 14,295 Canadian dairy, poultry and egg farmers provide access to high-quality food for Canadians.^[1] These sectors support 430,978 Canadian jobs, contribute $45.13 billion to Canada’s GDP and deliver $14.86 billion in tax revenue annually.^[2] Supply management supports both urban and rural communities, delivering a reliable supply of these key food staples. These efforts help maintain local infrastructure and bring important stability to domestic food supply chains and the overall economy.

Hosted by Dairy Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada, the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers and Egg Farmers of Canada, the Downtown Diner is just one of the many ways that Canadian dairy, poultry and egg farmers are helping Canadians learn about where their food comes from and how they support a strong Canadian food system. Visit eggfarmers.ca, chickenfarmers.ca, turkeyfarmersofcanada.ca, dairyfarmersofcanada.ca and chep-poic.ca to learn more.