Construction of the new milling facility, the first of its kind in Quebec, was made possible with a C$5.8 million ($4.5 million) repayable contribution underGrowing Forward 2, anAgriInnovation Programand five-year C$698-million initiative. This federal investment has enabled La Milanaise to increase production of flour and specialty organic products, as well as improve its market share. The rising demand and production of organic wheat and cereals creates opportunities for growth in the sector and strengthens Canada’s position as a producer of organic milled flour and products.
"The government of Canada is proud to support the implementation of innovative projects that help agricultural and agri-food businesses expand their production and market share,” said Jean-Claude Poissant, parliamentary secretary. “This new mill will boost demand for Canadian farm products, improve the bottom line for farmers and food processors, and stimulate our economy."
Meunerie Milanaise Inc., created in 1982 in Milan, Quebec, is a leader in the Canadian industry for processing high quality organic grains. With the new facility, La Milanaise has increased its workforce from 34 to 59. Quebec leads the organic sector with 1,079 producers and 742 processors in 2014.
"This substantial financial assistance from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada for completion of our plans to build a new mill using the latest generation of technology in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu attests to a clear interest in and support for development and promotion of cereals from organic farming," Robert Beauchemin, president of La Meunerie Milanaise Inc.
