Salt Spring Island, British Columbia - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced an investment of more than $1.2 million to support the dairy industry in British Columbia. The announcement comes after the Minister toured Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, a growing cheese processing facility.
Thirteen on-farm projects, totaling $853,901, were highlighted in support of cow’s milk producers on Vancouver Island under the Dairy Farm Investment Program. Funded projects include the adoption of robotic milkers, automated feeding systems, herd management tools, and cow comfort equipment.
Two more projects, totaling $379,740, were also highlighted under the Dairy Processing Investment Fund. This funding includes $114,440 to Salt Spring Island Cheese Company for new production and packaging equipment and a new pasteurizer. This will allow the processor to increase production and automate processes. Furthermore, an investment of $265,300 will support Natural Pastures Cheese Company for the purchase and installation of new manufacturing equipment to increase capacity and efficiency in cheese production and packaging.
The Dairy Farm Investment Program provides funding to dairy farmers for targeted investments in farm technologies and upgrades to barn equipment. The Dairy Processing Investment Fund provides dairy processors non-repayable contributions to support projects through capital investment or access to expertise. Both programs support the industry to adapt to anticipated impacts from the Canada - European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Source : Government Of Canada