The Maranda Family - Keeping the Dairy Tradition Alive in Quebec

SAINT-PIERRE-DE-L'ÎLE D'ORLÉANS, QC, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is proud to present the book Dairy Farmers, Deeply Rooted for a Strong Future, which features, representing Quebec, the Maranda family of the Roémax farm, in Saint-Pierre-de-l'Île d'Orléans, in Quebec. Showcasing the contributions of Canadian dairy farmers in the building and growth of our country, the book was created in celebration of the 150^th anniversary of Canada. The book traces the emergence of dairy farming in each of Canada's provinces through the personal stories of a family of dairy farmers who have been farming for many generations.

"Our ancestors settled here in 1666 and it is a testament of their perseverance and ingenuity that today we continue to farm and produce milk in a sustainable manner on this same piece of land," said Éric Maranda. "Dairy farming has evolved over the last few centuries, but our commitment to protecting the environment and taking care of our animals has not wavered. We want to produce the best quality milk in the most efficient way so future generations can continue the dairy tradition established by the first Marandas of Île d'Orléans."

Éric Maranda recently took over the farm from his father Roger. Along with his young son, three generations of Marandas today live in the ancestral home built in 1749. Éric credits a profound love of farming, an entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance for the farm's success over such a long period of time. Today, the Marandas milk 35 to 40 head of cattle on 85 hectares of land.

"By feeding the country in a sustainable way, Canadian dairy farmers have withstood the test of time, from even before Confederation, to produce Canadian quality milk," said Wally Smith, DFC's President. "I am honoured to introduce the Maranda family, whose story shows a great love for dairy farming, and a deep sense of community."

To read the Maranda family and Roémax farm's full story, please visit dairyfarmers.ca for a PDF version of the book.

About Dairy Farmers of Canada

Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization defending the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and striving to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working within supply management, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable, and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy, and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national initiatives. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.

SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Canada

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