Canadian Dairy Sector Boosted by Government Investments to Address Modernization and Labor Shortage
Source: The DairyNews
Canada's dairy sector is receiving significant support from new government investments aimed at modernization and tackling labor shortages.
Announced on February 5th by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, up to US$89 million (CAN€61 million) is earmarked for 49 projects under the Supply Management Processing Investment Fund. This initiative will aid processors in supply-managed sectors, including cow milk, chicken egg/meat production, in dealing with the impacts of recent international trade agreements.
The funding enables processors of dairy, egg, and chicken products to acquire new automated equipment to enhance capacity and productivity. Equipment purchases may encompass milk pasteurizers, ultrafiltration systems, and robotic packaging systems, addressing the persistent labor shortages in Canada's dairy industry. The move responds to challenges highlighted in a report by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, projecting difficulties in retaining workers due to long hours and associated overtime costs.
Among the recipients of the funding, Lactalis Canada's cheese plant in Ingleside, Ontario, is set to receive up to $3.3 million (€2.3 million) for new automated cheese processing and packaging equipment.
In addition to this funding, Ontario's dairy processing sector received $8 million in January from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, aimed at helping processors modernize for increased efficiency and food safety. This funding, available from April 2nd, supports new technologies and equipment, with eligible applicants receiving up to $200,000 in cost-share support.
While Quebec boasts the largest dairy industry in Canada, Ontario has 171 licensed cow and goat dairy processors, along with additional sheep and buffalo dairy processors. The funding aligns with broader efforts to boost efficiency and innovation in Canada's diverse dairy sector, which includes prominent players like Gay Lea, Lactalis, Saputo, Arla Foods, Canada Royal Milk, and Fairlife Coca-Cola.
The funding enables processors of dairy, egg, and chicken products to acquire new automated equipment to enhance capacity and productivity. Equipment purchases may encompass milk pasteurizers, ultrafiltration systems, and robotic packaging systems, addressing the persistent labor shortages in Canada's dairy industry. The move responds to challenges highlighted in a report by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, projecting difficulties in retaining workers due to long hours and associated overtime costs.
Among the recipients of the funding, Lactalis Canada's cheese plant in Ingleside, Ontario, is set to receive up to $3.3 million (€2.3 million) for new automated cheese processing and packaging equipment.
In addition to this funding, Ontario's dairy processing sector received $8 million in January from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, aimed at helping processors modernize for increased efficiency and food safety. This funding, available from April 2nd, supports new technologies and equipment, with eligible applicants receiving up to $200,000 in cost-share support.
While Quebec boasts the largest dairy industry in Canada, Ontario has 171 licensed cow and goat dairy processors, along with additional sheep and buffalo dairy processors. The funding aligns with broader efforts to boost efficiency and innovation in Canada's diverse dairy sector, which includes prominent players like Gay Lea, Lactalis, Saputo, Arla Foods, Canada Royal Milk, and Fairlife Coca-Cola.
