SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, QUEBEC – Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, today extends his congratulations to the Meunerie Milanaise Inc. (La Milanaise) on the official opening of their new state-of-the-art flour and specialty organic products mill in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Construction of the new milling facility, the first of its kind in Quebec, was made possible with a $5.8 million repayable contribution under Growing Forward 2. This federal investment has enabled La Milanaise to increase production of flour and specialty organic products, as well as improve its market share. The rising demand and production of organic wheat and cereals creates opportunities for growth in the sector and strengthens Canada's position as a producer of organic milled flour and products.
Quick facts
- Quebec leads the organic sector with 1,079 producers and 742 processors in 2014. (Source: Canada Organic Trade Association, 2016)
- Meunerie Milanaise Inc, created in 1982 in Milan, Quebec, is a leader in the Canadian industry for processing high quality organic grains. With the new facility, La Milanaise has increased its workforce from 34 to 59.
- This contribution was provided through Growing Forward 2, AgriInnovation Program, a five-year $698-million initiative. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and BDC are also financial partners in the project.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is proud to support the implementation of innovative projects that help agricultural and agri-food businesses expand their production and market share. This new mill will boost demand for Canadian farm products, improve the bottom line for farmers and food processors, and stimulate our economy."
– Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"This substantial financial assistance from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada for completion of our plans to build a new mill using the latest generation of technology in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu attests to a clear interest in and support for development and promotion of cereals from organic farming."
– Robert Beauchemin, President of La Meunerie Milanaise Inc.
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAC)
