Grant: Engage Grants Program

Farmers Dairy is the largest fluid milk processor in Atlantic Canada, and processes fluid milk in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In addition to milk, they produce a variety of other dairy products including cheese at their industrial plant in Truro, N.S. Traditional dairy products face increasing competition in the market place as nutrition conscious consumers scrutinize product labels and move to products touting healthier fatty acid profiles. In order to remain competitive in the market place, Farmers Dairy recognizes the need to develop innovative dairy products with improved fatty acid composition. They are interested in collaborating with scientists at NSAC to produce a DHA-enriched cheese product using technology recently developed at NSAC to naturally enhance the DHA content of cow's milk. In Canada, studies have consistently shown that dietary intakes of beneficial fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are well below recommended levels, however fish oil remains the only major source of long chain omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA. Using an omega-3 fatty acid-enriched milk, there is an opportunity to develop novel nutrient-enhanced cheese products that would increase the competitive advantage of Farmers Dairy. For this project, Farmers Dairy will collaborate with scientists at NSAC, in the development and assessment of a DHA-enriched cheese product.