Alberta boasts one of Canada’s strongest agricultural sectors and dairy production is a significant contributor. In 2024, Alberta produced 848 million litres of milk, making it the country’s third-largest producer. That same year, the industry employed 2,400 people.

Alberta’s government introduced the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC) in 2023 to encourage investment in the value-added agri-processing manufacturing sector. Saputo has qualified for conditional approval of the tax credit by investing more than $38 million in capital equipment at its Edmonton facility, substantially increasing its production capacity. The expansion will also improve food safety, enhance workforce health and safety, and modernize machines for greater reliability.

“We continue to attract diverse investment in Alberta’s agri-food industry by creating the ideal conditions for businesses to grow and establish operations in Alberta. The Saputo partnership’s conditional approval is a milestone for the APITC, demonstrating that Alberta’s competitive advantage means agri-food producers and processors of all kinds can be successful here.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P. submitted its application for the tax credit in early 2025, after the province amended legislation to allow partnerships to apply as a single entity. Its conditional approval is the first approval for a partnership in the tax credit’s history.

Eligible corporations and registered partnerships that invest $10 million or more to build or expand an agri-processing facility can apply for a 12 per cent non-refundable tax credit after project completion. The APTIC is open to any food manufacturers or bio-processors that add value to commodities like dairy or meat or turn agricultural by-products into new goods. The Saputo partnership has received conditional approval for a tax credit estimated at $4.5 million.

“Through this initiative, our Edmonton facility is on track to operate more efficiently and respond even better to the needs of consumers today and into the future. We’re sincerely grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for its valued support in helping us advance this important project.” 

Louise Wagar, vice-president, operations, Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P.

Quick facts

  • Saputo is a Canadian cheese manufacturer and fluid milk and cream processor.
  • In 2024, dairy product manufacturing sales in Alberta totaled $2 billion, an 11.9 per cent increase over 2023.
  • Dairy products accounted for 8.3 per cent of total food manufacturing sales in Alberta in 2024.
  • Corporations and registered partnerships are granted conditional approval for the APITC after submitting a successful project proposal. When the project is complete and operational, applicants may apply for the APITC Certificate to receive tax credits.

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