Canada’s Economic Action Plan Gets More Milk Flowing In Ontario

MARKDALE, ONTARIO — Canada's Economic Action Plan is delivering real results for dairy producers in Ontario. Member of Parliament Larry Miller (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of more than $70, 000 for Saugeen Country Dairy Ltd. to purchase and install a new filling, sealing and ink jet coding machines that will improve its yogurt processing facility.

"Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to help Ontario dairy farmers and processors maintain their competitive edge," said MP Miller. "The new equipment will allow Saugeen Country Dairy to increase their production capacity which in turn is expected to increase the annual demand for milk, giving farmers more opportunities to sell their great product."

This investment will automate the filling system, and provide a tamperproof membrane seal on yogurt cups, increasing production and keeping food safety standards high.

"Thanks to this investment from the AgriProcessing Initiative we were able to automate our filling system. By helping us maintain and expand our business, the Government of Canada supports small scale food processing in rural Ontario", said Johannes Schneider, co-owner of Saugeen Country Dairy.

Funded through the AgriFlexibility Fund, the AgriProcessing initiative is a five-year, up to $50 million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada. It provides support to existing companies for projects that involve the adoption of innovative and new-to-company manufacturing technologies and processes that are essential to sustaining and improving the sector's position in today's global marketplace. For more information, visit www.agr.gc.ca/api.

Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to help farmers with its focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy. For more information, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada