Canada to invest in dairy processor La Vache à Maillotte

The Government of Canada is set to make an investment in dairy processor La Vache à Maillotte to help the company improve its production of fine cheese and packaging.

Established in 1996, La Vache à Maillotte has been engaged in the production of a wide range of cheese products from cow and sheep milk.

Canada Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau said: “Dairy processors like La Vache à Maillotte are dedicated and passionate.

“This investment will help them meet consumers demand for their high-quality product and create good jobs for families in the Abitibi region.”

The government will invest C$160,115 ($120,902) through the Dairy Processing Investment Fund (DPIF).

The investment will be used by the company to purchase manufacturing equipment to meet the increasing demand for Canadian dairy production.

Fromagerie La Vache à Maillotte vice-president and executive director Marco Hachey said: “For more than 20 years, Fromagerie La Vache à Maillotte has distinguished itself in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and increasingly at the provincial level.

“Since our beginnings, we have used artisanal manufacturing, which did not allow us to respond well to the competition and slowed down the company’s expansion.

“This project will allow us to improve productivity and stabilise our production, although it will remain artisanal. We will be better equipped to face the arrival of cheeses resulting from the various trade agreements.”

DPIF was created to help dairy firms increase their production capacity and competence levels.

They will also be prepared for market changes resulting from the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Last month, the Canadian Government agreed to invest in six projects to support the country’s beef industry.