Central Smith Creamery in Selwyn Township is receiving up to $200,000 in federal and provincial funding for new equipment and technology.
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $7.18 million in 70 projects across the province to enhance and modernize dairy processing capacity and food safety through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5-billion five-year program involving the federal and provincial and territorial governments.
The partnership, which is intended to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector, includes $2.5 billion — with 60 per cent of the funding provided by the federal government — for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
In Ontario, that includes the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative, which provides successful applicants with up to $200,000 for 50 per cent of eligible costs to enhance processing efficiency and food safety in their facilities by adopting modern milk processing methods. The funding can be used to acquire new or refurbished equipment, provide one-time training, and more.
Central Smith Creamery will use the funding 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.
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative is open to the 171 licensed cow and goat dairy processors in Ontario, along with additional sheep and buffalo dairy processors. While 90 per cent of the available funding has been allocated, applications are still being accepted until November 30 or until funding runs out, whichever comes first.
