Federal funds support supply managed sectors

The Supply Management Processing Investment Fund is providing $89 million for 49 projects across Canada to address the impacts of recent international trade agreements.

Through this funding, dairy, poultry and egg processors are able to purchase and install new automated equipment and technology to help them respond to environmental challenges and labour shortages.

Some projects eligible under the program will include milk pasteurizers, ultrafiltration systems, robotics for packaging systems, and new machines for grading, setting and breaking eggs.

President and CEO, Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council Mark Hubert said the fund has helped numerous poultry and egg processors make new improvements in their facilities.

“New investments in equipment and technology will facilitate companies’ efforts to increase productivity and efficiency and enable Canadian poultry and egg processors to undertake valuable and leading-edge modernization projects,” Hubert said.

The announcement was made in Ingleside, Ont. at Lactalis Canada’s cheese plant, which is set to receive $3.3 million for new automated cheese processing and packaging equipment. The upgrades will help modernize the production facility, reduce waste and improve productivity.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay said Canada’s supply management system is the backbone of rural communities across the country and supports countless Canadian family farms.

“I will always stand up for Canada’s supply management system and the communities it supports,” MacAulay said. “With this funding, dairy, poultry and egg processors will be able to modernize their operations so they can continue providing Canadian families with high-quality products while supporting small, rural communities across the country.”