Overview
A Dairy Producer Licence enables an individual to operate a dairy production facility in Alberta. Under the dairy producer licence, the Alberta government’s Inspection and Investigation Section (IIS) provides inspection services that allow for the operation of a dairy.
Small dairy producers may require a variance for the ability to produce and handle dairy products. Variances are created by the IIS in consultation with the producer. Variances are assessed regularly to ensure the producer is meeting the requirements of the Dairy Industry Act and Dairy Industry Regulation for the safe production of dairy products.
Other dairy production requirements include:
- A bulk milk grader licence is required to move raw milk from the production facility to the processing facility.
- Any new construction, renovations or remodelling of a dairy facility must be approved in advance by IIS.
- The requirements for animal welfare and food safety must also be met.
Licensee responsibilities
Licence holders are responsible for:
- reviewing and following applicable legislation and other licensing requirements
- ensuring compliance with bylaws in their county or municipality
- getting a Bulk Milk Grader licence for the transportation of raw milk
Legislative requirements
All licensed dairy producers must meet the requirements of the Dairy Industry Act and Dairy Industry Regulation to ensure animals are fit for milking. They must also follow these legislative requirements.
- Dairy Industry Act
- Dairy Industry Regulation
- Premises Identification Program
- Animal Protection Act
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- National Building Code-2019
- Marketing of Agricultural Products Act
- Food and Drugs Act
- Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC)
- Alberta Milk Marketing Regulation
Eligibility
You can apply for a Dairy Producer Licence if you:
- can lawfully operate a business in Alberta
- are at least 18 years of age
Cost
5-year licence fee: $50
Licences are valid for 5 years
How to apply
Step 1. Fill out application form
- Review legislative requirements and licensee responsibilities above.
- Download and complete the appropriate application form below:
- Dairy Producer Licence Application for Cows (Bos Taurus) form
- Dairy Producer Licence Application for Sheep, Goats, and any Other Species than Bos Taurus form
Note: In order for your application to be processed, the form must be complete.
Step 2. Pay application fee and submit form
You can pay the $50 application fee online or by cheque or money order.
Pay online
- Use your credit card with our online payment system.
- When filling out the payment form, select the following under ‘Program area’: Animal Health and Assurance.
After paying the licence fee online, mail your completed application form to:
Licensing Unit, Animal Health and Assurance Branch
105 Agronomy Centre
6903 116 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5Z2
Pay by cheque or money order
Cheques or money orders should be payable to the Government of Alberta and mailed with your completed application form to:
Licensing Unit, Animal Health and Assurance Branch
105 Agronomy Centre
6903 116 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5Z2
Step 3. After you apply
Processing your application may take 2 to 4 weeks.
Pre-licence Inspection
After your application is received, an Inspector will contact you to discuss the requirements, review the dairy facility plans, and conduct the pre-licence inspection(s). Upon your dairy facility passing a final inspection, the IIS will send you a Dairy Producer Licence by mail.
Licence renewal
Six weeks before your dairy producer licence expires, IIS will send to the licensee a renewal letter and the Dairy Producer application form. Complete the application form and submit it with your payment as indicated on the application form.
Contact
Connect with the Inspection and Investigations Section:
Phone: 403-755-1474
Email: [email protected]