Strengthening the Dairy Processing Sector in Thornhill
January 24, 2025
NEWS January 24, 2025
THORNHILL – The governments of Ontario and Canada are supporting 70 dairy processing businesses across Ontario through the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative, providing cost-shared funding to help improve efficiency, capacity and food safety through their acquisition of modern ways of processing milk products. Some local dairy processors that are benefitting from this funding include:
- Arla Foods in Thornhill will receive up to $200,000.00 to purchase and install an ultrasonic cheese cutter to increase processing efficiency.
- Sicilian Ice Cream in Thornhill will receive up to $200,000.00 to purchase and install processing equipment (e.g., chiller, conveyors, storage tanks, metal detectors) to increase production capacity, improve processing efficiencies and to help achieve standards required for global food certification audits.
“This investment in Ontario’s dairy processing industry is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing the efficiency and safety of food production,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “With this funding, companies like Arla Foods and Sicilian Ice Cream will be able to modernize their operations, increase production capacity, and maintain the highest standards for food safety. This initiative strengthens the entire industry and contributes to the growth of Ontario’s economy while ensuring high-quality products for consumers.”
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.
QUOTES
“Arla Canada has been producing and distributing high quality, delicious cheese products in Ontario for over 60 years. This Investment from the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative significantly enhances Arla’s processing capability at our Vaughan Ontario production plant, helping to modernize our operation and boost our manufacturing capacity. It supports Arla’s future growth and continued contribution to both the local economy and the Canadian dairy industry.”
-Eric Elmhirst, President, Arla Foods Inc.
“We at Sicilian’s welcome this approval announcement. We are grateful to have been selected and accepted for this funding. This supportive Government partnership/initiative will significantly help us to achieve our strategic vision more readily. Through this targeted support and backing we will be able to strengthen our territorial competitiveness particularly during these tough economic times and preserve the viability and sustainability of our long-standing family business.”
-Maria Galipo, CEO, Sicilian Ice Cream.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Office of MPP Laura Smith
905-731-1178
laura.smith@pc.ola.org