New cheese factory will boost economy in Madawaska-Restigouche region

“When businesses do well, so do communities. That’s why our federal government is helping locally grown businesses diversify, and deliver new, quality, local products, along with an opportunity for visitors to learn where their food comes from.”

- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“This investment will allow Fromagerie de la République to expand their operation in order to produce delicious artisanal cheese, to the benefit of the region's tourism development. Visitors and locals alike will have the chance to see firsthand the know-how of our cheese makers and to enjoy the tasty products. I am proud to support such local agri-businesses develop and innovate.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“The Government of Canada recognizes the tremendous value of agritourism – linking travel with the products, services, and experiences of agriculture -- in Atlantic Canada.  This project represents an opportunity to grow an existing dairy farm into a cheese factory for residents and visitors to the Madawaska-Restigouche region to enjoy.”

- René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska—Restigouche

“Our agri-food businesses are an important part of many communities across New Brunswick. Supporting Fromagerie de la République as they grow is an exciting opportunity that will benefit many residents and visitors to the Madawaska-Restigouche region. Investing in the growth of local producers is a priority and the entrepreneurs who work hard to turn their vision into reality deserve our praise.”

- The Honourable Margaret Johnson, Minister, New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries

”Our family business has been established in the Madawaska region for almost a century and a half, and we enthusiastically welcome the commitment and investment of the governments of Canada and New Brunswick in strengthening the local food farming industry, particularly here at Fromagerie de la République. Although we only opened our doors a few months ago, we can already see the strong economic and community potential of marketing local products. A deep sense of attachment to our cheese products, our family and our local partners has quickly developed since we opened, and this holds out the promise of new collaborations. This market will encourage innovation and showcase the talents and expertise of our region's agri-food artisans.”

- Manon Lavoie, Co-owner, Fromagerie de la République

• Fromagerie de la République gets their milk from a herd of Ayrshire cows, which produce milk with a high fat and protein content ideal for cheese-making.

• ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, helps businesses speed up their growth so they can be more productive, compete on the world stage and reach new markets.

• The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership represents an investment of $3.5 billion over five years (2023-2028) from federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the resilience, innovation and competitiveness of the agriculture and agri-food sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. 

• In March, the Public Policy Forum published a report that confirms that Atlantic Canada’s economy is bustling and the region is poised for exponential growth.

Associated links

• Fromagerie de la République
• Public Policy Forum - The Atlantic Canada Momentum Index

Kevin Lemkay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Developmentand of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Kevin.Lemkay@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Samantha Michaud
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
samantha.michaud@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Annie Cullinan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca

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

Mark Taylor
Director of Communications
Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Government of New Brunswick
mark.taylor@gnb.ca

Manon Lavoie
Co-owner
Fromagerie de la République
fromageriedelarepublique@gmail.com

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