Representing Alberta’s dairy producers
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2015
Program Enhanced to Help Those Wanting to Enter the
Dairy Industry
EDMONTON, AB – Upon a thorough review, changes have been made to the New Entrant Assistance
Program that will now offer even more help to those that want to start a dairy farm in Alberta. The changes
reflect the industry’s desire for a strong, sustainable industry.
The New Entrant Assistance Program’s goal is to assist passionate, knowledgeable, individuals and families
to begin dairy farming by lessening some of the costs of starting a dairy farm. This program accomplishes
that goal by loaning dairy production quota to successful applicants. The program started in 2011 and has
welcomed 12 new dairy farms into the province.
“Sustainability is a large focus for dairy producers and these new guidelines are reflective of that,” says Tom
Kootstra, chairman of Alberta Milk. “By supporting those individuals and farm families just starting out will
help the industry in many years to come; it’s a long-term investment on behalf of all dairy producers in
Alberta.”
Highlights of the changes to the 2015 New Entrant Assistance Program are:
New entrants will receive up to 25 kg/day of total production quota (up from 15 kg/day) on a 2:1
proportional basis between owned and loaned quota to help kick-start their new business.
The term of the program has been extended from seven to 10 years to offer greater flexibility.
All current and 2015 successful applicants will be eligible under these new guidelines. Alberta Milk will be
accepting new applications from April 1 to June 30, 2015. Further details can be found on the Alberta Milk’s
website albertamilk.com. Interested applicants can also contact Alberta Milk at 1-877-361-1231.
More about the New Entrant Assistance Program
The program works by loaning quota based on a 2:1 ratio from loaned to purchased quota from Alberta
Milk up to a maximum of 25 kg/day at no cost to the new entrant. This loan translates to enough quota to
milk about 20-25 cows. The loan gradually expires starting at the beginning of year seven, reduced to zero
at the end of year 10. While receiving this quota loan, new entrants can expand up to 70 kg/day of total
quota holdings.
Qualifying for the program consists of submitting a two-year financial business plan, a 10-year
implementation plan, a risk mitigation plan, and signed letter from the applicant’s financial institution
agreeing to finance their operation.
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Alberta Milk represents the province’s dairy producers in dairy policy and transportation, marketing and
education, research and administration. Our vision is to grow a vital, sustainable and prosperous dairy
industry.
Contact:
Karlee Conway, Corporate Communications
Alberta Milk
780.577.3305 (o)
780-938-5963 (c)
[email protected]
1303-91 Street SW Edmonton, Alberta T6X 1H1
toll-free. 1-877-361-1231 p. 780-453-5942 f. 780-455-219\