As someone who is closely linked to the supply management system, I am a full supporter. I am not a farmer nor part of the marketing board. The costs to operate and ensure a quality product are far higher in Canada, than in the US. You could factor in the need to provide heat in the winter (and with that, actually closed barns), the increased ingredient costs, etc as factors.
The other thing is that Canada produces a higher quality product with more stringent standards than the US. Also, unlike the US, most animal production farms are owned by families.
Let me give you this example: In Canada, after a flock of chicken is raised and sent for slaughter, the barn is completely cleaned out and disinfected before placing baby chicks. In the US, it is common practice to put a layer of hay over the manure and put in baby chicks on top of the previous flocks' manure. Disgusting? I would say so.
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