Strengthening the Dairy Processing Sector in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock

NEWS – January 2025

The governments of Ontario and Canada are supporting local businesses in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. Selected businesses will receive additional funding through the Dairy Processors Modernization Initiative, which provides cost-shared funding to dairy processors to help improve efficiency, capacity and food safety through their acquisition of modern ways of processing milk products.

“I am happy that dairy processors in HKLB are being recognized for their innovation. Our rural communities and agricultural sector are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, so I am proud that our government continues to support local rural businesses to reach their fullest potential,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative is still accepting applications from cow, goat, sheep and water buffalo milk processors until the program is fully subscribed. The initiative provides up to $200,000 in cost-shared funding to each successful applicant to help dairy processing businesses increase production efficiency and food safety in their facilities. Funding can be used to help cover the cost of new or refurbished equipment, training and more. The governments of Ontario and Canada are investing up to $8 million in the initiative through the Sustainable Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

“Ontario’s dairy processors have shown remarkable growth over the last several years and continue to produce safe, high-quality dairy products for domestic and international consumers,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “The success of the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative underscores the health and vitality of Ontario’s growing dairy industry, and its ability to rapidly seize opportunities to modernize and increase processing capacity and food safety.”

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Contact:

MPP Laurie Scott, Queen’s Park Office

laurie.scott@pc.ola.org