More Local Dairy Products for Ontario Families -
McGuinty Government Strengthens Agri-Food Industry, Creates Jobs

NEWS	August 24, 2011

Ontario is helping our dairy farmers and processors launch a new pilot project to make specialty dairy products for families.

With support from Ontario's Rural Economic Development Program, Dairy Farmers of Ontario is teaming up with five dairy companies from across the province to create and market dairy products made with milk from specific cattle.

Sourcing milk from specific herds will make it easier for Ontarians to find out where and how their food was made and help strengthen the companies' positions in local food markets.

A strong agri-food industry is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs and opportunities that will grow the province's economy.

QUOTES

"More and more, people want to know where their food comes from and how it's made. By sourcing milk from specific herds of cattle, this innovative project will do just that. We're proud to partner with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario to bring high-quality, fresh and local dairy products to Ontarians, opportunities to local farmers, and strength to our agri-food sector."
- Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"Thanks to the support we're receiving through the Rural Economic Development Program, we're helping five farm operations take the step to become on-farm processors. This will help to expand the market for high-quality, locally-produced milk and cheeses. With more and more consumers wanting to know about the origins of their food, this project couldn't come at a better time."
- David Murray, Vice-Chair, Dairy Farmers of Ontario

"We at Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese are very thankful for the support the Ontario government has given us to bring unique local cheeses to the Ontario market. With milk from our family farm, we are crafting Swiss-quality cheese right here in Oxford County. We are excited to offer consumers high quality local cheeses as well as an educational experience to learn about our farm, our cows and how our cheese is made."
- Shep Ysselstein, Owner, Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese Co.

QUICK FACTS

• This project will create up to 10 jobs.
• Ontario has invested more than $167 million in 418 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program and generated more than $1.2 billion in new economic activity.
• The agri-food industry contributes more than $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs about 700,000 people.

LEARN MORE

Want to grow your food business? Ontario can help.

Backbrounder: Project Origin