In a move to bolster local food production and mitigate the impact of climate-related disruptions, the British Columbia government has committed up to $25 million towards the construction of a new milk production plant in Abbotsford. The project, a collaboration with Vitalus Nutrition, will commence construction this summer and is projected to augment the province’s milk output by a substantial 50%, bringing it to a substantial 1.4 billion liters annually.
This strategic investment is not only expected to enhance milk production but also contribute to the surge in dairy product manufacturing within the province. With local demand for products like butter currently met through imports from Eastern Canada, the expanded facility aims to alleviate this dependency. Moreover, the initiative is aligned with the government’s broader industrial development blueprint, which prioritizes the cultivation of clean energy and sustainable industries, further diversifying the provincial economy.
As stated by B.C. Premier David Eby, recent extreme weather events, including the devastating atmospheric river of November 2021, have highlighted the crucial need for increased local food production capabilities to safeguard against supply chain disruptions and ensure food security. The new milk production plant expansion is a significant step towards achieving this goal while simultaneously stimulating economic growth and job creation in the region.
