Strengthening the Dairy Processing Sector in Peterborough-Kawartha

                                                                                                                                    January 22, 2025

Selwyn – The governments of Ontario and Canada are providing support to Central Smith Creamery in Selwyn Township. The recipient will receive up to $200,000.00 to purchase various technologies, including an ultraviolet liquid storage tank, volume and temperature control systems, a fat tester system, liquefier load cells, an upgraded raw material management system, and a robotic conveyor system. This funding aims to enhance product quality and boost processing efficiency through the Dairy Processors Modernization Initiative, which offers cost-shared funding to dairy processors for improving efficiency, capacity, and food safety by adopting modern milk processing methods.

“Central Smith Creamery plays a vital role in our community by providing job opportunities and backing local initiatives. It’s wonderful to witness their ability to enhance production capabilities through this project,” stated Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Central Smith is establishing a standard of excellence within the industry. This upgrade is anticipated to boost efficiency and allow the company to satisfy increasing demand while upholding the high quality that customers have come to cherish.” Added MPP Dave Smith.

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.”

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive this grant, as it will enable us to elevate the level of support we offer to our customers across the country. The backing from the Ontario Government is incredibly valuable, and we sincerely appreciate it.”- Ian and Jennifer Scates

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.

Dave Smith Action Centre 705-742-3777 David.smith@pc.ola.org