![agri-food](https://www.dairyproducer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/agri-food.png)
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
An investment in Fromagerie de la République will help the Edmundston artisan cheesemaker grow from a dairy farm into a cheese factory.
The expansion of the business aims to boost agri-tourism in the region, attracting residents and visitors and generating economic growth.
The provincial government, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, is investing $163,529 in the project. The federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA’s) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, is investing $375,000.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership represents an investment of $3.5 billion over five years (2023-28) from federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the resilience, innovation and competitiveness of the agriculture and agri-food sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
New Brunswick dairy sales totaled $142.6 million in 2022, accounting for 12 per cent of total farm cash receipts.
Quotes
“Our government is proud to support Fromagerie de la République diversify and expand their agribusiness, so that they can produce delicious artisanal cheese. This investment will help drive New Brunswick’s economy and provide more opportunity for visitors and locals alike to purchase local products.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“When businesses do well, so do communities. That is why our federal government is helping locally grown businesses diversify, and deliver new, quality, local products, along with an opportunity for visitors to learn where their food comes from.”
– Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Our agri-food businesses are an important part of many communities across New Brunswick. Supporting Fromagerie de la République as they grow is an exciting opportunity that will benefit many residents and visitors to the Madawaska region. Investing in the growth of local producers is a priority, and the entrepreneurs who work hard to turn their vision into reality deserve our praise.”
– Margaret Johnson, New Brunswick Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries