April 7, 2010

The Atlantic Dairy and Forage Institute, a Canadian dairy research farm in New Brunswick, is planning a US$8.5-million expansion in order to improve the quality of milk.

The privately owned, non-profit working farm is the province's only research station for the dairy industry.

Executive Director Wiebe Dykstra said its work includes improving the quality of the feed in order to increase the quality of the milk produced by the cows.

The new facility will bring job opportunities to rural New Brunswick including positions such as ruminant nutritionists, lab technicians and farm hands. The construction will not only be an economic boost for the area, but will also enhance the dairy industry, both domestic and worldwide.

The US$30,000 grant from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will be used to prepare a business report to persuade investors the expansion is worthwhile, said the institute project officer Josh Lamont.

The institute is anticipating work to start by the fourth quarter this year.