Ontario’s Grade A program results in quality milk

DFO, under an agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), is responsible for administering provincial Regulation 761 pertaining to farm premises, raw milk quality testing, trucktank inspections, and BTMG certification, recertification and monitoring.

The mark of a quality farm producing quality milk in Ontario is a Grade A certification. Under the Raw Milk Quality Program and Regulation 761 under the Milk Act, the Grade A program sets the bar for the production of safe, quality milk. In addition, all eligible Ontario producers are also registered under proAction, the national quality assurance program administered by Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Grade A Checklist

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

All raw milk in Ontario is graded by a Bulk Tank Milk Grader onfarm before being transferred to a truck-tank and transported to a processor. BTMGs are certified and responsible for:

• Grading milk by sight and smell

• Sampling – most sent to the University of Guelph for analysis

• Measuring the volume and temperature of milk in farm bulk tanks

• Transporting raw milk

DFO administers the Raw Milk Quality Program through on-farm inspections. Appointed Field Service Representatives (FSRs) conduct rigorous inspections at least once every two years, evaluating the status of each farm and working proactively with farmers to achieve and maintain continued Grade A compliance with regulatory requirements.

Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bulk Tank Milk Graders Field Services Reps

Inspection reports evaluate every aspect of meeting Grade A requirements. Farm premises and surroundings, and milking and cooling equipment must be clean and in a state of good repair. In addition, animals must be clean and receive appropriate care. Only milk from healthy animals is sold.

Producing high-quality milk is a badge of honour for Ontario dairy producers. Every day, farmers follow robust and mandatory animal care and production requirements to deliver safe, quality milk for consumers. Ontario dairy farmers are guided by regulations, achieving some of highest standards for milk quality worldwide.

655,000 BULK TANK SAMPLES PER YEAR

Dairy Producers

FSRs work with Ontario dairy producers to achieve and maintain Grade A standards.

13

FSRS ACROSS ONTARIO

109

EACH FARM INSPECTED AT LEAST ONCE EVERY

2 years

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE A INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATION

2,377 TRUCK LOAD SAMPLES – MORE THAN

100,000 PER YEAR

INITIAL GRADE A INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR