The Minister of Natural Resources, Derrick Dalley, and Federal Agriculture Minister, Gerry Ritz, announced a $345,000 investment in an innovative robotic milking system for Pure Holsteins Ltd. The technology behind the new system is a first of its kind for Newfoundland and Labrador and is set to vastly improve productivity at the farming operation situated in Little Rapids.
Project Made Possible through Federal and Provincial Funding offered via Growing Forward 2
The robotic milking system was funded through the Growing Forward 2 AgriInnovation Fund and, according to the federal News Release, will serve as a model demonstration for the local dairy industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. The industry will benefit tremendously from its introduction. Minister Dalley added that the provincial government is committed to further growing the dairy industry, which has become one of the most success in the province’s agriculture and agrifoods sector. “Investment in innovative technology like the robotic milking system is another step in helping the industry become more efficient and competitive,” said Dalley.
Federal Funding Available through Growing Forward 2’s AgriInnovation Program
The AgriInnovation Program is a five-year initiative beginning April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2018, with a project completion date of January 31, 2018. The focus of ArgiInnovation’s Commercialization and Adoption Stream is to help small to mid-sized businesses develop innovative agri-products, technologies, or services with support for product demonstration and commercialization activities.
- Amount: Interest-free loans of up to $2-$10 million (dependent on project type).
- Timeframe: Project completion date of March 31, 2018.
- Projects: Pre-commercial and commercialization projects.
- Eligibility Factors: For profit companies or cooperatives in the agricultural industry.
Funding through Growing Forward 2 is also available from provincial levels of government including business grants & loans for Ontario-based processors and producers.
Learn about Canadian Government Grants and Loans for the Food Sector
Mentor Works Educates established small and medium-sized businesses in the food sector via free Canadian government funding workshops and webinars.