Dairy Research Cluster
Funding program for national multidisciplinary research projects in dairy production and human nutrition and health.
Competitions are now closed.
Dairy Research Cluster 4
Since 2010, DFC has been a partner of the Canadian Agri-Science Clusters Initiative of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) as part of the strategic framework Growing Forward 1 (2010-2013), Growing Forward 2 (2013-2018), and Canadian Agricultural Partnership (2018-2023). The Clusters program allows to address national dairy research priorities in a coordinated and strategic approach in partnership with sector partners and government.
In anticipation of the renewal of the Clusters program under AAFC’s next agricultural policy framework, which would cover the period of April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028, DFC, in collaboration with its DairyGen partners (including Semex, Holstein Canada and Lactanet) and Novalait Inc., is launching Calls for Proposals in preparation for the Dairy Research Cluster 4 application.
The Canadian scientific community is invited to submit proposals for innovative and structured projects focusing on industry and government priorities.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS IN HUMAN NUTRITION AND HEALTH - NOW CLOSED
Dairy Research Cluster 4 Call for Proposals - Human Nutrition and Health

CALL FOR LETTERS OF INTENT IN DAIRY PRODUCTION - NOW CLOSED
Dairy Research Cluster 4 Call for Letters of Intent - Dairy Production

Note: Based on preliminary information shared by AAFC, DFC is forging ahead with the development of a proposal aimed at AAFC’S next Cluster program. However, the program has not yet been officially announced by AAFC and therefore, there is no guarantee of funding at this point.
Dairy Research Cluster 3
The Dairy Research Cluster 3 (DRC3 – 2018-2022) builds on the success of the Dairy Research Clusters 1 and 2 (2010-2018) to stimulate productivity, sustainability and profitability on farms, and to improve knowledge of the health benefits of milk and dairy products.
Joint industry and government commitments to the Dairy Research Cluster 3 total $16.5 million, including $11.4 million from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership AgriScience Program, $2.8 million from Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC), $1 million from Lactanet, $736,300 from Novalait, $75,700 from Dairy Farmers of Ontario and in-kind contributions from many dairy sector partners.
List of Dairy Research Cluster 3 Projects and Investments (2018-2023)

Map of the location and number of scientists involved in Dairy Research Cluster 3 Projects
