Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay has appointed a dairy and beef farmer from Quebec to be the new commissioner of the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC).

Jennifer Hayes began her three-year term on January 3, 2016. She is the third generation to farm at PineCrest Farms in Shigawake, which she co-owns with her father and uncle. Hayes holds an MBA from Concordia University and is actively engaged in rural development initiatives in her region.

“Jennifer’s energy, talent and commitment to the Canadian dairy industry will be an asset to the Commission and her leadership and experience can serve as a model to young women considering a career in agriculture,” commented MacAulay.  

The CDC is a crown corporation established in 1966 to coordinate federal and provincial dairy policies and create a control mechanism for milk production aimed to avoid shortages and surpluses, and stabilize revenues.