February 13, 2013

Farmers Co-operative Dairy Limited, Agropur cooperative consolidate

The Board of Directors of Farmers Co-operative Dairy Limited and the Board of Directors of Agropur cooperative have announced the merger of the two organisations.

"By joining forces we believe that the new merged entity will be well equipped to ensure a sustainable dairy industry in the Atlantic Provinces" said Jeannie van Dyk, Chairman of Farmers Dairy and a dairy farmer from Noel Shore, Nova Scotia. "This is a great opportunity for our members to continue to have a voice in the marketing of their milk through ownership in a large national cooperative organisation."

"The merger of our two cooperatives is a first for Agropur in decades. The merger will allow us to better serve our customers on a national basis, and support the overall objective of consolidating the cooperative milk processing sector for the benefit of the member dairy farmers", added Serge Riendeau, Chairman of Agropur and a dairy farmer in Coaticook, Quebec.

The proposed merger and related arrangements will be submitted for approval by the members during separate Special General Assemblies, which will be held on March 12, 2013. The targeted date for the merging of activities is April 2, 2013. This is subject to approval from the appropriate authorities.