Closed
Source verified August 11, 2026
Dairy Innovation Program (DIP)
Innovation support for dairy processors
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Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The Dairy Innovation Program supports Canadian dairy processors developing innovative dairy products through access to milk for approved national or provincial projects. It covers new product introductions, including butter and butter oil, and focuses on products with unique composition, packaging, flavouring, or new end-use applications.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Introducing innovative dairy products to the Canadian market.
- Introducing innovative dairy products within a province.
- Introducing butter and butter oil products with unique composition, end-use applications, packaging, or flavouring.
Documents Needed
- A market impact study for butter or butter oil applications, demonstrating the unique features, intended distribution channel, and expected market growth.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Dairy processors may apply on a national or provincial basis.
- Applicants for butter and butter oil must submit a national application.
- Processors applying for a national DIP application must be federally licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Who is not eligible
- Federally licensed processors cannot apply for a provincial DIP application.
Eligible geographic areas
- Two or more provinces or across Canada for national applications.
- The province where the product will be manufactured for provincial applications.
Selection criteria
- Project merit is evaluated during the preliminary review.
How to apply
- Complete a separate application form for each product submitted under DIP.
- Submit applications by March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31.
- Send all applications to the Dairy Innovation Program by toll-free phone at 1-866-366-8676 or by email at cdc.innovation.ccl@cdc-ccl.gc.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- The Selection Committee reviews each application, may request clarification or additional information, and performs a preliminary evaluation of the project merit.
- The applicant must provide a product sample to the Selection Committee.
- Approval requires a unanimous decision of the Selection Committee.
- If approved, a formal legal contract is prepared and signed by the provincial board or agency responsible for supplying the milk, the successful applicant, and the CDC.
- Rejected applications may be appealed to the CDC Board within 90 days of the rejection letter, and no new information may be introduced on appeal.
Additional information
- Applications and product descriptions remain confidential for 24 months after the successful applicant starts receiving milk.
- Rejected applications may be appealed within 90 days or modified and resubmitted.
- The program is subject to provincial milk utilization audits and CDC evaluation.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dairy Innovation Program (DIP) Program
What is the Dairy Innovation Program (DIP)?
The Dairy Innovation Program supports Canadian dairy processors developing innovative dairy products through access to milk for approved national or provincial projects. It covers new product introductions, including butter and butter oil, and focuses on products with unique composition, packaging, flavouring, or new end-use applications.
Who is eligible for the Dairy Innovation Program (DIP) program?
To be eligible for the Dairy Innovation Program (DIP) program, you must:
The product must be wholly or essentially made with milk and contain no imported dairy ingredients.
Butter and butter oil applications must be submitted on a national basis.
The applicant must already be a licensed processor or have submitted a licensing application before approval.
What expenses are eligible under Dairy Innovation Program (DIP)?
Introducing innovative dairy products to the Canadian market.
Introducing innovative dairy products within a province.
Introducing butter and butter oil products with unique composition, end-use applications, packaging, or flavouring.
Who can I contact for more information about the Dairy Innovation Program (DIP)?
You can contact Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) by email at cdc.innovation.ccl@cdc-ccl.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-366-0676.
Where is the Dairy Innovation Program (DIP) available?
The Dairy Innovation Program (DIP) program is available across Canada.
Is the Dairy Innovation Program (DIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Dairy Innovation Program (DIP) is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Dairy Innovation Program (DIP)?
Dairy Innovation Program (DIP) is funded by Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC)