Ontario. Dairy Branch

• Dairy Branch

• Ontario. Office of the Dairy Commissioner

The Dairy Branch was established in 1920 within the Ontario Department of Agriculture. It assumed responsibilities formerly held by local Dairymen's Associations, and from the Institutes Branch.

The branch was headed by a Director of Dairying. In April, 1951 an Office of the Dairy Commissioner was created, and the Dairy Commissioner acted as director of the Dairy Branch. During the 1950's, the branch Director or Commissioner was assisted by an Assistant Director and an Associate Director. By 1961, the Assistant Director's position had been eliminated and the Associate Director assumed this rank.

On March 18, 1954 two new agencies were created which formed part of the administration of the Dairy Branch. These were the Milk Control Board and the Milk Producers Board of Ontario. On October 20, 1955, a Milk Industry Commission of Ontario was also established, which conducted research into the improvement of milk products.

On July 1, 1957 another major reorganization of the branch occurred. The Milk Control Board and Milk Producers Board of Ontario were merged into a single agency, the Milk Industry Board. The Dairy Branch continued to exist, and was responsible for coordinating and supervising the activities of the Milk Industry Board. At the same time, the Formula Committee for Fluid Milk was officially established as part of the branch (it had been informally active as early as 1951). The branch was also divided into two divisions: the Fluid Milk Division and the Milk Products Division.

Within the Department of Agriculture, the branch reported directly to the Deputy Minister until 1959. After that, it formed part of the Marketing Division (1959- 1965), and the Marketing and Special Services Division (1965-1968).

After the Milk Commission of Ontario was established in 1965, the functions of the Dairy Branch were merged with those of the commission. The Dairy Branch was gradually absorbed into the commission until, by 1968, it no longer existed and the Office of the Dairy Commissioner was no longer filled.

The Dairy Branch was responsible for the regulation of the milk industry in Ontario, including inspection of milk and cheese facilities, and the prevention of unfair practices between producers and operators. The branch also assisted in improving the quality of dairy products through instruction and advice to producers. It accomplished its aims through its own programs and by supporting the administration of agencies associated with the regulation of dairy products. The Dairy Branch also liased with the Extension Branch and Veterinary Services Branch to provide services to the dairy farming community.

RAD: Rules for Archival Description, 2nd edn (2008)

2026-11-16: migrated to AtoM

Annual Reports of the Department of Agriculture, 1910-1966

Annual Reports of the Department of Agriculture and Food, 1967-1972

Not found in Canadiana Authorities, 1996-12-24

Archivist(s):
Kate O'Rourke