Saint Gédéon, Quebec – The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced investments totalling over $4.5 million to three projects that will help boost production for Quebec dairy processors in the region of Lac-Saint-Jean.
Minister Bibeau made the announcement at Fromagerie Médard in Saint Gédéon, which is receiving up to $969,000 through the Dairy Processing Investment Fund (DPIF) and up to $1,000,000 through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) for new equipment to increase productivity and reduce production costs. By 2025, it is expected that this funding will create an additional two jobs, and increase the milk used in the production process by 74 percent.
Nutrinor Cooperative also benefitted from the DPIF, receiving up to $395,000 to purchase an Ultra Filtration system. The project will allow the cooperative to increase its production of liquid dairy protein concentrate, increase its quantity of processed milk, and increase the yield of the cheese factories they supply. By 2023, it’s expected that the funding will create an additional five jobs and increase the milk used in the production process by 48 percent. This builds on the $293,000 DPIF investment made in 2019 to extend the shelf life of products and reduce production costs.
Minister Bibeau also announced an investment to Fromagerie Boivin, which is receiving up to $1,340,000 through the DPIF for new equipment to increase production and up to $800,000 through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions to expand their building and acquire strategic equipment to optimize the production of processed cheese and modernize the packaging line. The project will provide more space so that employees can practice physical distancing.
Dairy processors are an integral part of Canada’s rural landscape, and ensure vibrant and strong communities in Quebec and across the country. As key economic drivers for many of our rural areas, the Government is investing to help ensure our dairy processors remain well-positioned for future growth.
Source : Government of Canada