Ontario Goat Farmers are facing unfair regulations that could shut them down - unless they're changed.

As Ontario Dairy Goat producers, we stand united in opposition to the upcoming enforcement of SCC Limit and Penalty under Regulation 761 - Milk and Milk Products, as outlined in the Milk Act. This enforcement is set to commence on January 1, 2026. These limits carry severe penalties, including cutting farmers off from delivering milk altogether, a measure that threatens the livelihoods of many dedicated farmers. 

The Canadian SCC regulations require serious reevaluation. There are no SCC limits for goat milk in European regulations - yet Canada imports goat dairy products made from milk with higher SCC levels than Ontario farmers will be allowed to produce. This creates an unfair double standard that punishes local farmers while allowing imports under looser rules. If enforced, the rules could lead to farms being forced to stop shipping milk. Family run operations could be pushed out of business. Ontario's goat milk production could decline, increasing reliance on imported products. European processors do not provide a financial incentive to reduce SCC limits, as there is no difference in quality of finished product (products like cheese, powdered milk for baby formula, etc). SCC levels have many contributing factors: Producers work hard and strive to have an excellent Goat Herd Health may have an on average older Herd, older goats have higher baseline SCC, Lactation Stage, Duration milking, Genetic (Breed) and reproductive traits contribute to SCC variability, Estrus cycles (Hormonal) and Seasonal changes, as well as factors like introducing Bucks for Breeding, Hoof Trimming and Vaccinations all effect SCC levels. This enforcement is a pressing issue for Ontario's goat milk producers, who strive to maintain high standards and contribute significantly to the economy.

By penalizing goat milk producers with unsustainable standards, the regulations will stifle a vital and growing sector. Ontario, renowned for its progressive agricultural policies, must recognize that the unique characteristics of goat milk require tailored standards. We call upon the relevant authorities to abolish these arbitrary penalties and eliminate the SCC thresholds in the Milk Act for Goat Milk to reflect the scientific realities of goat milk production. 

We urge the decision-makers to listen to the voices of those who power this sector. Sign this petition to demand the repeal of SCC cut-off penalties, elimination of the SCC limit for Goat Milk and support a fair and thriving future for Ontario's goat milk producers.

Ontario farmers want fair, science-based rules - not arbitrary standards that push them out of business.

Sign this petition to support local agriculture and demand a fair future for Ontario's goat milk producers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 
What is Somatic Cell Count (SCC)?
Somatic Cell Count, or SCC, measures the number of naturally occurring cells in milk. In cows, higher SCC can indicate mastitis. Goat milk behaves differently. Goats naturally produce milk with higher SCC levels, and this does not mean the milk is poor quality or unsafe.
 
Is goat milk with higher SCC unsafe to drink?
No. There is no evidence that higher SCC in goat milk makes it unsafe or lower quality. Goat milk is pasteurized and tested like all dairy products. The SCC levels being discussed are normal for healthy goats and do not pose a food safety risk.
 
Why is this regulation a problem for goat farmers?
The proposed SCC limits come with serious penalties, including cutting farmers off from delivering milk. Because goat milk naturally has higher SCC, even well managed and healthy herds could be penalized. This puts farms at risk through no fault of their own.
 
Why are Ontario farmers held to stricter standards than imports?
This is one of the concerns. The regulation creates a double standard. Ontario farmers face strict penalties while imported products are allowed under looser international rules. This places local producers at a competitive disadvantage.
 
Does this mean Ontario farmers want lower quality standards?
No. Ontario goat farmers support strong food safety and quality standards. What they are asking for are science based regulations that reflect the biological differences between goat milk and cow milk, rather than limits that do not align with how goat milk naturally behaves.
 
What could happen if these rules are enforced as written?
If enforced, the rules could lead to farms being forced to stop shipping milk. Family run operations could be pushed out of business. Local goat milk production could decline, increasing reliance on imported products.
 
What are farmers asking for instead?
Farmers are asking for the removal of SCC cut off penalties for goat milk. They are asking for the elimination of SCC limit for goat milk in the Milk Act. They are asking for regulations that reflect scientific evidence and international practices.
 
Why should the public care about this?
This issue affects local food security, fair treatment of Ontario farmers, rural jobs, and consistency between domestic rules and imported products. Supporting this petition means supporting local agriculture and fair, evidence based policy.
 
What will signing this petition do?
Signing the petition sends a clear message to regulators and decision makers that Ontario farmers deserve fair treatment. Regulations should reflect science. Local producers should not be penalized while imports are allowed under different standards.