Quebec organic cheese processor backed for robotics

Fromagerie La Station of Compton, Que. will get $910,355 from the federal Dairy Processing Investment Fund to install robotic equipment to improve the quality of its organic cheese products and enhance production capacity.

The family-owned business that produces award-winning cheeses is expanding, which is expected to increase its demand for milk, lower production costs and expand markets in Quebec and Canada.

“This project will allow us to extend the ripening time for our certified organic farmhouse cheeses and to continue growing our company,” said Simon-Pierre Bolduc, director general for the company.

“Acquiring the automation system and expanding our ripening rooms will help us meet the growing demand for locally produced ripened cheeses and respond to European competition in this niche market. With this project, we will be better equipped to deliver high-quality products.”

The company specializes in four types of cheese: Alfred le Fermier, Comtomme, Chemin Hatley and a raciette cheese. All of its production is certified organic.

Earlier this month it won three top prizes at the Canadian Cheese Awards in Toronto, and last year, the company won gold at the world cheese awards in London, England.

“This funding will help Fromagerie La Station meet growing consumer demand for their award-winning cheeses, as well as contribute to the growth of Estrie’s regional economy,” federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay said in a release.

The Dairy Processing Investment Fund, a $100 million, four-year program, is designed to help dairy processors modernize their operations to improve their productivity and competitiveness.