Support for local cheese processing business in Racine, Quebec

News release

June 25, 2020 – Racine, QC - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of $353,432 under the Dairy Processing Investment Fund (DPIF) to La Fromagerie Nouvelle France, a local cheese processor in Racine, Québec following a celebration of the ten year anniversary of the Fromagerie on June 23, 2020.

This investment will allow Fromagerie Nouvelle France to transfer their processing operations of sheep, goat and cow milk from a rental property into their own facility. The funding will also enable them to purchase and install new cheese and yogurt manufacturing equipment, including a controlled ripening chamber, pasteurization tank, automated manufacturing tank and cheese press.

The project is expected to increase the use of Canadian cow, goat and sheep milk, increase cheese and yogurt production, reduce production costs, while maintaining jobs in the community.

La Fromagerie Nouvelle France was founded in 2010. It specializes in the production of fine cheeses and yogurts from sheep's milk and cow's milk.

DPIF was designed to help the sector increase productivity and competitiveness, and help them prepare for market changes resulting from the Canada – European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

The Government of Canada strongly supports Canadian processors and is working closely with them to achieve a strong, growing and sustainable future for the next generation.

Quotes

“The construction of a new cheese factory here in Racine is excellent news for the region. This means more opportunities for our dairy producers and more of your excellent cheeses for consumers from near and far. I am proud that our government has contributed to this initiative, because it is exactly what we want for our regions. I would like to congratulate the whole Fromagerie Nouvelle France team for 10 years of growth and wish you many more decades of innovation and discoveries.”
-    The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“I am very grateful to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for recognizing the potential of our team over the past 10 years. The "Buy Local" concept is also part of the commitment of our government to small artisans like us. Sheep milk production represents a significant and growing niche. It is our identity and our artisanal know-how that shines throughout the country.”
-    Marie-Chantal Houde, cheesemaker and co-owner of Fromagerie Nouvelle France.

Quick facts

  • Canada has more than 478 dairy processors that generate $14.3 billion in sales and create more than estimated 42,222 jobs.

  • The Dairy Processing Investment Fund, valued at $100 million, is designed to help dairy processors modernize their operations, improving productivity and competitiveness.

Associated links

Contacts

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
jean-sebastien.comeau@canada.ca
343-549-2326

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@canada.ca
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