A strong dairy industry and a competitive agricultural sector are vital to Canada’s prosperity, creating good jobs, growing the middle class, and bringing high-quality products to the tables of Canadian consumers. Budget 2017 recognizes that agriculture and agri-food is a key growth industry by supporting science, innovation and the overall competitiveness of the sector, to create better opportunities for farmers and Canadians.
Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the fulfillment of a Government of Canada commitment made on Nov. 10, unveiling details of two programs worth $350 million, aimed at dairy producers and processors.
The programs will help the sector increase productivity and competitiveness and prepare for the implementation of the Canada – European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which will establish greater access for European cheeses into Canada.
The two programs are: the five-year, $250 million Dairy Farm Investment Program and the four-year, $100 million Dairy Processing Investment Fund. For dairy producers, the new program will enable investments such as robotic and other automated systems that improve farm productivity. Similarly, for dairy processors, the new program will support investments in equipment and infrastructure, or provide access to specialized expertise to introduce new products or processes.
Source: AAFC