News

New era opens in provincial agrifoods sector

By JOHN HANRATTY
the Georgian

Two west coast farmers are leading the way when it comes to agricultural expansion and innovation in the province.

Brent Chaffey of St. David’s and Gerard Cormier of the Codroy Valley have joined forces to move on from milk production into processing of related food products, and the future seems to hold unlimited promise for them.

The two marked a major milestone last week with a gala, well-attended launching of the Good Natured line of yogurt products. Already on the market since last fall, Good Natured has met with an enthusiastic response from consumers. It is produced in a new plant in Stephenville, where the formal launch was held Jan. 27.

Port au Port MHA Jim Hodder represented Natural Resources Minister Ed Byrne at the opening as Mr. Byrne was unable to attend.

“This operation is the first commercial processing dairy facility established in the province since we obtained an industrial milk quota through the National Milk Marketing Plan back in 2001,” said Mr. Hodder.

“This quota availability will mean Newfoundland and Labrador dairy producers will see the amount of milk available increase from 7 million to 31 million litres over the next decade.

“Presently, nearly all of the industrial milk produced here is shipped outside the province. Now, this facility alone will enable 20 to 25 per cent of the province’s current 7 million litre industrial milk quota to be processed within the province.”

Government officials say milk production is expected to double over the phase-in period and create 500 new jobs, mostly in rural Newfoundland. Twenty-four jobs are being created through the start-up of Wholesome Dairy.

Mr. Hodder saluted Mr. Chaffey and Mr. Cormier for their vision and foresight, and unwavering commitment to this significant new investment. He also paid tribute to the federal-provincial Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) agreement, a five-year $32 million program. APF is providing up to $500,000 of the $1.7 million needed for the Wholesome Dairy plant. ACOA has been the source of an additional repayable contribution of $498,000.

Mr. Cormier thanked those agencies and Farm Credit Canada for their assistance.

“The Town of Stephenville also played an important role,” said Mr. Cormier.

“They greatly assisted us in making this a reality.”

He also made special mention of his father, Leo Cormier, and Brent Chaffey’s father, Wilson Chaffey. They were the two pioneers who established the farming operations at the core of the new venture. Both are members of agricultural halls of fame in recognition of their achievements.

Mr. Cormier said Wholesome Dairy hopes to go on and produce other value-added products in the dairy industry.

“We are very proud of this product,” said Brent Chaffey.

“It can compete with the best of any manufacturer.... It is the first of many products we hope to create.”

He said consumers are giving Good Natured a wonderful response through sales and calls to their toll free number. Plans are to export the product across Canada.

“This shows that, locally, we can respond to the changing face of our industry.”

Stephenville Mayor Cecil Stein said that over five years ago he started trying to attract Mr. Chaffey to Stephenville to set up a business.

“Our province needs more entrepreneurs like these men,” said Mayor Stein.

“We’re looking ahead to their expansion, and the town already has land allocated for it. We anticipate many years of success.”

Emcee Dave Dyer said the town of Stephenville has gone above and beyond the call to assist the venture.

There are eight flavours of Good Natured Yogurt, including two inspired by Newfoundland and Labrador: bakeapple and partridgeberry. Wholesome Dairy’s head office and production facility is located at 72 Missouri Drive in Stephenville, and there is a distribution centre in St. John’s.