Join ODC

ODC offers its Members and Associates many direct services. In addition to specific services, Members and Associates also enjoy numerous benefits.

Annual fees are collected based on ODC’s fiscal year, which is April 1st to March 31st.

Members are companies who are licensed to manufacture dairy products in Ontario. This group, ranging from small enterprises to on-farm processors to cooperatives to large multi-national corporations, processes approximately 98% of the milk produced in Ontario, representing over $6 Billion in total sales annually.

The fee category is broken down into three subcategories – one for companies purchasing milk directly from Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO), one for companies making bovine milk products but that do not purchase milk from DFO, and one for companies processing dairy products exclusively with non-bovine milk (i.e. sheep, goat, buffalo). Additionally, ODC offers an introductory rate for the first year of Membership to companies in their first 5 years of business.

• Advocates on behalf of the processing sector with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO), and other provincial or federal government agencies.
• Acts as an industry spokesperson on issues relevant to the dairy processing industry.
• Has representation at the National Canadian Milk Supply Management Committee (CMSMC) and the Regional P5 Supervisory Body, both of which are decision-making bodies.
• Participates in numerous industry committees on behalf of the processing sector such as Secretariat of CMSMC, MUV Inc., Animal Welfare Working Group, Processor Advisory Committee, P5 Technical Committee, Plant Audit Committee, Dairy Lab Technical Committee, the selection committee of the Dairy Innovation Program, and 1C/4C Selection Committee.
• Holds an annual convention each June to bring together industry leaders for two days of education, business and social programs, and networking opportunities.
• Offers Plant Milk Graders’ (PMG) training program and Refresher sessions through the association’s continuing education program.
• Provides access to:
• News & Views, ODC’s electronic newsletter, reporting on relevant industry issues and ODC activities.
• E.Voice, an update to Members on specific dairy plant information.
• Ad hoc Member Only Update communications on timely topics.

• Be a part of the united voice of the dairy processing industry (representing over 98% of Ontario’s milk supply).
• Have access and networking opportunities with key representatives of most Ontario dairy processors, and many dairy distributors, marketers and suppliers to the industry.
• Have direct access to Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Ontario Milk Transport Association and many other affiliated organizations and government agencies.
• Liaise directly with Québec Dairy Council, Western Dairy Council, and Dairy Processors Association of Canada to ensure a unified dairy processing voice across the country.
• Have direct access to knowledgeable staff working on your behalf.
• Have direct access to a clearing house of information on the dairy industry.
• Receive direct information about issues affecting your customers.
• Invitation to participate in ODC’s Spirit of the Season every Fall.
• Receive discounted rates on ODC’s programs (including PMG) and events (including ODC annual convention).
• Interested in becoming a Member? Complete the Member Application form and submit it to Christina Lewis, President of ODC at clewis@ontariodairies.ca.

Associates are key industry partners who provide valuable products and services (such as ingredients, packaging, and equipment) to this market and who support a strong Ontario dairy processing community.

• Access to key representatives of Ontario dairy processing companies.
• Invitation to attend ODC’s annual convention in June.
• Promotional opportunities at all ODC events.
• Company name and contact information included in Associate online listing.
• Access to knowledgeable staff working full time for the dairy industry.
• Access to information on the dairy industry including ODC’s News & Views,a newsletter that provides updates on various issues within the industry and at ODC.
• Up-to-date information on issues affecting your dairy customers.
• Administration of industry courses including Plant Milk Grader’s (PMG) training program and Refresher course.
• Reduced registration fees for ODC events and continuing education courses.
• ODC can seek your technical expertise on relevant issues.
• ODC referrals to potential customers.
• Interested in becoming an Associate? Complete the Associate Application form and submit it to Christina Lewis, President of ODC at clewis@ontariodairies.ca.