Thank you for your interest in Island Farms. We have listed some of the more frequently asked questions regarding the recent purchase of Island Farms by Agropur, Canada’s largest dairy co-operative.

You can visit the Agropur Cooperative website at www.agropur.com

Should you have any question that is not listed below, please feel free to contact us at info@agropur.islandfarms.com . We appreciate your business and support and look forward to providing you with the very best dairy products from Vancouver Island milk!

How many farmers voted in favour of the purchase agreement?

Over 90% of co-op members voted in favour of the agreement put forward by Agropur.

Where will my milk come from now?

Island Farms’ milk will continue to be from dairy farmers from Vancouver Island. Milk will be processed here on Vancouver Island and delivered to your grocery store shelves.

Will Island Farms still manufacture its dairy products with milk from Vancouver Island?

Yes – your favourite Island Farms products like Vanilla Plus yogurt and ice cream will continue to be made from island milk.

Will the Island Farms brand remain in the marketplace?

Yes – the Island Farms brand will continue to be available and new products will continue to be developed.

Who will be in charge of managing Island Farms?

Island Farms management team will remain in place. The management team will now report to Natrel, a division of Agropur.

Who is Agropur?

Agropur Co-operative is Canada’s largest dairy co-operative and has a membership of over 4,300 dairy farmers, and it has 3,000 employees. Within the dairy industry, Agropur is best known for its award winning Natrel fluid milk division. Natrel employs over 1,540 people across Canada, and currently owns eight manufacturing plants, including one in Chilliwack. For more information you can go to www.natrel.ca

Will the purchase by Agropur/Natrel mean any plants will be closed or jobs lost?

No. Agropur has purchased Island Farms in order to expand into the West and have indicated that Island Farms will remain operating as usual. They purchased the company in order to retain its many assets including its strong employee base.

With the co-op being dissolved due to the purchase, what will happen to the farmers?

They will continue operating their dairy farms and shipping milk to Island Farms, as before. Vancouver island dairy farmers will continue to be the number one supply of milk to Island Farms. However, with the purchase by Agropur, the members will no longer be involved in the day-to-day business decisions of Island Farms.

Will Island Farms continue with its community outreach programs?

Yes, Island Farms will continue supporting the community including its Milk for Kids program, Food Banks, sponsoring parades across Vancouver Island and its Daisy Dollars program.

What about Farmer Vicki and Daisy?

You will see them at special events as usual.

Why did Island Farms feel the need to sell and not remain a locally owned company?

The offer from Agropur was unsolicited, meaning that Island Farms was not looking to sell its assets. The offer was significant and the board of directors entered into negotiations. As the largest dairy co-operative in Canada with similar values to Island Farms, there is a strategic fit that will benefit both companies. Agropur will provide Island Farms with the opportunity to be more competitive in the marketplace and sustainable in the long run.