With its cooperative business model, it goes without saying that Agropur cares about the wellbeing of its community. For 85 years, the Cooperative has been convinced that the values of solidarity, equity and cooperation help to build a better world.

That’s why numerous charitable causes and causes rooted in the cooperative movement are supported by its donation and sponsorship program. The initiatives the Cooperative backs are aligned with the values of a sustainable dairy industry in the communities the Cooperative serves.

In short, four main themes guide the Cooperative’s approach to community involvement: health, sustainable development, equity and the community. Every year, the equivalent of 1 percent of earnings before patronage returns and taxes is paid out as donations and sponsorships. The Cooperative is particularly committed to organizations that work on behalf of children’s welfare and that support the next generation of agricultural and agrifood producers.
 

Support for Young Farmers and Producers

To support young farmers and producers, Agropur provides agricultural grants and supports the 4-H Clubs in putting on local shows and other regional agricultural activities. With this involvement, Agropur can reach out to young people and educate them about the Cooperative. The Agropur Board of Directors has actually indexed support for the CJR. The grant is now $400 and product donations go up to $100. Members looking to obtain them have until September 1 to make a request with their Cooperative Advisor.

The objective of all this is to raise the Cooperative’s profile and give back to its members’ communities. Agropur also donates products to over 175 social and community, school and agricultural activities in which its members participate.

On Board for Families

In an economic context marked by rising inflation and food costs, more individuals and families are turning to food banks.

As milk is a healthy and nutritious product for all families, the Cooperative supports numerous causes in Canada and the United States. While figures from 2023 have not yet been finalized, Agropur donated dairy products worth $1.7 million to food banks in Canada in 2022, most notably Moisson Montréal and the Ottawa Food Bank. In the United States, employees of the cooperative raised over $94,000 for charity organizations and local food programs.

Agropur also encourages its employees to get involved in causes that are dear to them. They can choose an organization and hold fundraising activities in Canada and the United States. The Cooperative commits to doubling all amounts raised.

The Cooperative’s 2023 ESG report will be released in May with more details on Agropur’s involvement in the community.