Ag Canada Invests in Quebec R&D Centre

A new federal complex for dairy production research has opened in Sherbrooke, Que., as a result of a $12-million investment through the Modernizing Federal Laboratories Initiative of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre now features a complex with leading-edge technology and research equipment, upgrades which will allow it to continue innovative scientific research and build on its reputation as a worldwide leader in the industry. The investment will also help stimulate regional economic growth and job creation.

“Through this investment, the Government of Canada is promoting the growth and consolidation of dairy production research in Canada to the benefit of producers, agricultural professionals and all consumers,” said Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture) Jean-Pierre Blackburn during the opening ceremony.

“The Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) appreciate the major investments that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is making toward dairy production research,” added DFC president Jacques Laforge. “The new Sherbrooke research complex is a reflection of our long collaboration. We are especially proud of the new partnerships launched as part of the Canadian Agri-Science Clusters initiative, Milk and milk products: Innovations in nutrition, health and sustainable development.”

Among other issues, the science facility will focus on nutrition, physiology, immunology and molecular biology, as well as improving the quality of agri-food products, and lessening the environmental impact of dairy production.