We often hear aboutfood self-sufficiency, especially at the moment. But what exactly does it mean?
Food self-sufficiency is an increasingly relevant issue in the current context. It is defined as the ability of a country or region to meet the food needs of its population through its own production, thus minimizing dependence on imports. This implies the development of local production, whether through individual farming (gardening) or collective farming (local farms).
Although Quebec is not entirely self-sufficient, it has achieved this goal for several essential products, such as eggs, poultry and dairy products. The province even boasts surplus production of maple syrup, cranberries and pork, testifying to a strong production capacity and an effective strategy for strengthening its food self-sufficiency.
Québec’s dairy sector: an economic engine
The dairy sector is a major economic force in Quebec. It is Quebec’s most important agri-food industry, generating 24% of the province’s agricultural revenues. Quebec is Canada’s largest milk producer, contributing 36.9% of national production. The province is home to 46.4% of the country’s dairy farms, which translates into smaller operations than the Canadian average.
A diverse range of dairy products is produced locally, including fluid milk, chocolate milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream. This variety meets the varied needs of consumers and consolidates Quebec’s position as a leader in dairy processing.
Did you know?
Dairy producers can be found all over Quebec, but the majority of dairy farms are located in Chaudière-Appalaches (23%), Montérégie (19%), Centre-du-Québec (14%), Bas-Saint-Laurent (12%), Estrie (10%) and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (5%).
Quality and innovation: the strengths of the dairy industry
Québec is also a major player in dairy processing in Canada, generating 35.5% of this sector’s revenues. In particular, it is the largest producer of yogurt (74% of Canadian production) and cheese (50%). Québec fine cheeses regularly win awards in national and international competitions, recognizing the excellence and expertise of our artisan cheesemakers.
Quebec’s dairy sector also stands out for its commitment to sustainability. It is the first agricultural sector in the province to have carried out a life cycle analysis, demonstrating a significant reduction in water use and greenhouse gas emissions between 2011 and 2016. In addition, the ProAction program ensures compliance with milk quality, food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards. Quebec is also Canada’s leading producer of organic milk, a sector that is growing steadily.
The work of farmers and those involved in the dairy production chain is fundamental to Quebec’s food security and self-sufficiency. These combined efforts guarantee the availability of high-quality food, produced responsibly.
And to support these vital efforts, Distribution Robitaille is proud to be a partner available to all farmers. Whether for milk crates, drums, buckets or any other container, our commitment is to offer them the best possible service. Because by helping those who feed us, we all contribute to the strength and pride of our food self-sufficiency.
If you would like to find out more, here are the data references used in this article:
- https://www.scientifique-en-chef.gouv.qc.ca/impact-recherche/cinq-mythes-sur-lautonomie-alimentaire/
- https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/agriculture/industrie-agricole-au-quebec/productions-agricoles/production-lait-vache – July 28, 2025
- https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/agriculture/agriculture-biologique