TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 15, 2015) - Dairy Farmers of Ontario ("DFO") welcomed a special announcement from Canada's Minister of Agriculture, Gerry Ritz, as he surprised more than 800 farmers at DFO's Annual General Meeting with news the Federal government is contributing $3 million towards the new state-of-the-art research facility at Elora Station.
This year's AGM, in connection with its Platinum Sponsor, Gay Lea Foods, marked DFO's 50th Anniversary.
"We are an organization that depends on our partners to drive innovation, sustainability and growth," said Peter Gould, general manager and CEO of Dairy Farmers of Ontario.
"We are delighted at the Federal government's support for this important research initiative. Together with the money we have raised from industry and the provincial contribution of $20 million, this new money allows us to complete the project that will bring benefits to farmers, consumers and the economy for many decades to come," said Bill Emmott, DFO Board Chair.
The Research Station is a joint project involving the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO), the University of Guelph and Ontario dairy industry stakeholders. The new facility is designed to address the research, education and training needs and priorities of the dairy sector for generations to come.
DFO is celebrating 50 years since Dairy Farmers of Ontario's inception as the marketing body for Ontario's dairy farmers and is hosting more than 500 dairy farmers from across the province for this year's AGM.
DFO was also joined by David Clanachan President and CEO of Tim Hortons, who proudly announced a new partnership with Dairy Farmers of Canada promoting 100% Canadian milk.
The list of delegates speaking includes John Tory, Mayor of Toronto; Jacques Laforge, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dairy Commission; Wally Smith, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada; and Chief Veterinarian for Ontario, Dr. Greg Douglas.
The AGM is taking place at The Royal York Hotel in Toronto and includes an evening gala to celebrate local and industry-wide achievements in dairy farming excellence.
About Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Dairy Farmers of Ontario, a not-for-profit organization, is proudly owned and operated by Ontario dairy farmers. It is the marketing group for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture.
Website www.milk.org
Twitter @DairyOntario
Contact Information:
Laural Adams
Communications Manager
Mobile: 647-462-5559
laural.adams@milk.org