Two new programs for the dairy sector

Two new programs for the dairy sector

Two programs have been put in place to assist Canadian milk producers and processors for the coming years.

Pontiac Liberal MP William Amos posted on his Facebook page on Friday, August 4th.

A strong dairy industry and a competitive agricultural sector are vital to Canada’s and the riding of Pontiac’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.

1. Dairy Farm Investment Program
To help Canadian milk producers improve their productivity, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is providing $ 250 million to modernize production equipment in a five-year program starting this year.

All dairy producers, regardless of the size of their operations, may apply to the program, which will assume no more than 50 per cent of approved project costs, up to a maximum of $ 250,000.

Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. For projects proposed before March 2018, producers may apply for financial assistance for eligible activities that began on or after November 10, 2016.

The Dairy Farm Investment Program will accept applications beginning at 10:00 am on August 22, 2017.

2. Investment Funds for Dairy Processing
This second Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada initiative is designed to help dairy processors invest to improve their productivity and prepare them for domestic market competition. The 100Million$ Investment Fund will be made over four years, beginning this year.

More information on these two programs is available on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s website.

https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2017/08/dairy_farm_investmentprogram.html