A new licence is required prior to beginning the operations of a dairy plant including:
When a facility is being licensed for the first time.
When an existing licensed plant is transferred to a new owner (transfer of ownership) An "Application for a Permit to Construct or Alter a Building Intended for Use as a Dairy Plant – For New Applicants" must be submitted at the same time as an “Application for a Licence for the Operation of a Plant”. Note, the licence will not be issued until the plant is complete and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has confirmed, through inspection, that it meets all applicable regulations under the Milk Act (Ontario).
Dairy plant licences must be renewed annually. An application for a licence for the operation of a dairy plant must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the expiry date on an existing licence (s. 95( 4), Regulation 761 - Milk and Milk Products under the Milk Act). If you have recently made any of the following changes to your operation, an application for an Amended licence for the operation of a dairy plant must also be submitted: changes to the classes or subclasses of cow's milk processed at the plant; changes to the species of animal ( cow or goat) that produce the milk processed at the plant; or changes to the type of plant operated.