Central Smith Creamery Receives Grant Up to $200,000 In Government's Effort to Strengthen Dairy Sector

In an effort to bolster the dairy sector in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Selwyn’s Central Smith Creamery has received a grant of up to $200,000 from the provincial and federal governments.

(left to right) Jillian Scates, project manager and co-owners Ian and Jennifer Scates are part of three generations who have been involved with Central Smith Creamery. The Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The funding is used to purchase various technologies including an ultraviolet liquid storage tank, volume and temperature control systems, a fat tester system, liquefier load cells, an upgraded raw material management system and a robotic conveyor system.

The grants aims to enhance product quality and boost processing efficiency through the Dairy Processors Modernization Initiative, which offers cost-shared funding to dairy processors for improving efficiency, capacity, and food safety by adopting modern milk processing methods according to Dave Smith, Peterborough Kawartha MPP.

“Central Smith Creamery plays a vital role in our community by providing job opportunities and backing local initiatives. It's wonderful to witness their ability to enhance production capabilities through this project,” he explained. “Central Smith is establishing a standard of excellence within the industry. This upgrade is anticipated to boost efficiency and allow the company to satisfy increasing demand while upholding the high quality that customers have come to cherish.”

The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative still accepts applications from cow, goat, sheep and water buffalo milk processors until the program is fully subscribed. The initiative provides up to $200,000 in cost-shared funding to each successful applicant to help dairy processing businesses increase production efficiency and food safety in their facilities. Funding can help cover the cost of new or refurbished equipment, training and more. The governments of Ontario and Canada are investing up to $8 million in the initiative through the Sustainable Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive this grant, as it will enable us to elevate the level of support we offer to our customers across the country. The backing from the Ontario Government is incredibly valuable, and we sincerely appreciate it,” said Ian and Jennifer Scates, Central Smith Creamery co-owners.

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