Canadian co-operatives merge

Farmers Co-operative Dairy, a 116-member producer that covers Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Agropur Co-operative, the largest dairy co-operative in Canada with 3,288 members, have merged. “By joining forces, we believe that the new merged entity will be well equipped to ensure a sustainable dairy industry in the Atlantic Provinces,” says Jeannie van Dyk, chairman of Farmers Dairy and a dairy farmer from 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 organization.”

“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,” adds Serge Riendeau, chairman of Agropur and a dairy farmer in Quebec.

The proposed merger and related arrangements were submitted for approval by the members during separate special general assemblies, held on 12 March 2013. Merging activities will occur 2 April 2013, subject to approval from the appropriate authorities.