Goat Milk Producer Survey

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is continually strengthening the province's food safety system by updating standards and inspection programs, and by using new scientific knowledge and technologies to protect public health.

As part of this process of continual improvement, the Food Inspection Branch of OMAFRA will be conducting a province-wide survey of all dairy goat production operations. With this project, OMAFRA will be able to verify its inventory of existing goat milk production operations in Ontario, and identify key areas to improve the quality and safety of the raw product.

A wide variety of information will be gathered via a questionnaire to provide a picture of the current dairy goat industry, including:

• milk operation and production practices;
• type and maintenance of milk production equipment;
• animal health; and
• general producer information (i.e size of herd).

The data collected will be summarized, with a report distributed to dairy goat producers as quickly as possible. Please note that any personal/identifying information will remain confidential. The final report will contain only summary information and general findings.

Data from the survey will be used to help guide decisions on where to focus efforts for improving raw goat milk safety and quality. It will also be used for the development of appropriate regulations to address food safety risks, while considering economic impact to the industry, under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001.

The survey will be mailed to individual producers in February, and Food Inspection Branch (FIB) requests and appreciates your cooperation in completing as much of the survey as possible. FIB Raw Milk Specialists will be making follow up appointments with producers to help complete the information, answer any questions or concerns and to collect the surveys. This information will provide an accurate, detailed picture of the industry and will be of great benefit as the industry expands and new regulations are developed.