NEWS RELEASE
BRIAN SAUNDERSON, SIMCOE-GREY MPP
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The Ontario government is investing up to $25 million in 15 innovative, projects through the Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund to expand food-processing
capacity in the province and strengthen our food supply.
Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, congratulates Sheldon Creek Dairy Inc. for being among the successful applicants from the call for applications.
Sheldon Creek Dairy will install a fully automated milk filling line to increase processing capacity and support new carton packaging which would replace the single-use plastic containers. The automated equipment will support market expansion plans of the Dairy and its co-packing clients.
“With help from the Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund, these high-impact projects will facilitate further growth in Ontario’s food-processing industry, increasing processing capacity to benefit the entire supply chain,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “It is through investments such as this that our government is creating the conditions for our agri-food industry to flourish in the domestic and international markets.”
“Today’s funding announcement of up to $125,850 is significant for our agri-food sector here in the Alliston area. Sheldon Creek Dairy was built on the third generation Haanview Farm which was established 70 years ago in Loretto,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “I wish to extend my congratulations and thanks to John, Bonnie & Emily den Haan, and Marianne & Mike Edward, and wish them continued success in producing their A2 protein milk and farm fresh artisan dairy products.”
The Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund supports the priorities under the Grow Ontario Strategy, including promoting Ontario-made food products, increasing international exports, cultivating talent within the agri-food workforce, and strengthening the province’s food supply. The program included a focus on strategic investments that benefit supply chains, address processing shortages and contribute to supply stability.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario’s agri-food sector supported more than 750,000 jobs and contributed $47.6 billion to the provincial economy in 2021. The sector generates $19.6 billion a year in agri-food exports alone.
- Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is one of the largest in North America, comprising 4,675 businesses.
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