Harper Government to Help Dairy Sector Increase Productivity

News Release

February 28, 2014 – St-Eugene, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Pierre Lemieux, Member of Parliament for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell and Parliamentary Secretary to Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced an investment of over $4 million to the Skotidakis Goat Farm to increase production of Greek feta and ricotta cheese.

This investment will be used to expand the company’s current facilities by 27,500 square feet and introduce innovative production technology which is specifically designed for its milk blends. These initiatives will significantly increase the production of the company’s Greek feta and ricotta cheese products, while maintaining its high quality.

Quick Facts

Incorporated in 1993, Skotidakis Goat Farm is a family-owned and managed company.
The Skotidakis manufacturing process is unique in Canada being a large commercial producer using a blend of goat and cow milk.
The Canadian dairy processing sector represents 15 per cent of the Canadian food and beverage sector.
In 2011, dairy products generated almost $14 billion in revenues.
This investment is made through the Enabling Commercialization and Adoption stream of AAFC’s AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698-million initiative under Growing Forward 2.

Quotes

"The goat and dairy sector are significant parts of the economy in Eastern Ontario and our Government’s investment will help Skotidakis Goat Farm to expand and capitalize with innovative new technology. This will benefit farmers and producers in our community by creating local jobs and enabling Skotidakis to increase cheese production, enhance its market opportunities and boost sales."
- Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux

"We are grateful for the support of the Government in the realization of this project which will contribute to the company’s growth in sales and employment. As a business, this will allow us to further diversify our line of products and further solidify our market share in the feta cheese and yogurt sector."
- John Skotidakis, President of Skotidakis Goat Farm

Additional Links

Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
AgriInnovation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Skotidakis Goat Farm

Media Contacts

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

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Harper Government to Help Dairy Sector Increase Productivity

News Release

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