Feds invest $3.3M in Lactalis plant, announce $89M in funding for processors

The federal government is providing $89 million in funding to dairy, poultry and egg processors across Canada.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay made the announcement today (Feb. 5) at Lactalis Canada's cheese plant in Ingleside, Ont.

The plant is set to receive up to $3.34 million for new automated cheese processing and packaging equipment.

"The Supply Management Processing Investment Fund has shown its value in leveraging increased investments from dairy processors in process innovation and upgrading plants. We commend government officials for their flexibility and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the dairy processing community in the administration of this program,” Mathieu Frigon, president and CEO, Dairy Processors Association of Canada, said in a press release. 

The funding will allow processors to be able to purchase new automated equipment and technology.

That includes milk pasteurizers, ultrafiltration systems, robotics for packaging systems and new machines for grading, setting and breaking eggs.

Forty nine projects have been approved to receive funding.