Got fresh, local, traceable milk? We do!

Dairy holds a unique place in Canadian ag being one of the country’s most regulated industries, with strict guidelines for animal welfare, milk quality, and environmental oversight. And because milk remains a daily staple for many of our Lufavores, we believe transparency is essential when it comes to making responsible choices. Over the years, we’ve carved out a dairy category that reflects those values - that’s why we’ve taken the time to share a closer look at the standards already in place, and our own criteria of selecting the partners we work with. 

The dairy industry’s not picture perfect but that doesn’t mean it can’t be responsible. For those not in the know, compared to much of the world, Canadian milk begins with a strong foundation: every litre sold here comes from cows that, by law, are free of growth hormones and antibiotics, and production follows the National Farm Animal Care Council’s code of practice. Still, the industry isn’t as black and white as its cattle. Even under these protections, dairy production leaves a heavy environmental mark, from greenhouse gas emissions to land and water use.

That’s why we work with small-scale farms in Quebec and Ontario that go further: meeting higher welfare requirements, keeping supply chains shorter, transparent, and actively improving their practices to make them more environmentally friendly. Whether it’s reducing packaging, adopting organic or grass-fed diets, or using lower-temperature pasteurization, these producers are pushing dairy in a more sustainable direction. Together, they give Lufavores a range of choices that suit different tastes, budgets, and values. Consider this your go-to guide to what makes each of our partners stand out.

Nutrinor, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

A large collection of small-scale dairy farmers. Founded in 1949, Nutrinor is a Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean cooperative owned by more than a hundred farmers, from dairy producers to grain growers. As the most northern dairy in Quebec, they’ve chosen to work with the climate rather than against it - feeding their herds a diet tailored to local crops which gives their milk its distinct taste. Their milk and cream, including the organic range, come from 18 nearby farms and are bottled in Alma within four days of milking - keeping things as fresh as it gets. Always focused on traceability, Nutrinor has added QR codes to its packaging so you can see exactly which farm produced your milk and when it was processed. And recently, they became the first dairy in Quebec to make the leap to carbon-neutral packaging.

On our Marketplace, Nutrinor offers close to 20 products across three ranges: their regular milk (aka most affordable option), organic, and Nutripur - the latter built on a sustainability pact signed by participating farmers, that emphasizes keeping cows in free-stall barns for greater comfort, freedom of movement, and the protection of natural resources. 

Organic Meadow, Ontario

The pioneers of organic milk in Canada. Over 25 years ago in Durham, Ontario, six farmers came together with a shared vision: to produce milk that supports healthy ecosystems and respects animal welfare. Today, Organic Meadow has since become a leader in Canada’s organic dairy movement. They work with partner farms that keep herds of about 50 cows (half your typical herd size!), so farmers can give each animal more attention and plenty of space to graze and roam freely when weather allows. In 2023, they became the first in the country to launch certified carbon-neutral milk cartons and introduced milk bags made from recycled plastic. 

From plain kefir and chocolate milk to sour cream, cottage cheese, fruit yogurts, and even ice cream offered seasonally on our Marketplace - Organic Meadow adds variety that goes beyond the everyday. 

Ferme Vallée Verte 1912, Lanaudière

A return to the responsible roots. When David Gadoury took over his family farm in 1996, he initially adopted conventional methods to keep up with the industry…until he saw the impact it had on his herd and land. Instead of increasing productivity, these methods drained resources and triggered a vicious cycle of illness, antibiotic resistance, and a concerning reduction of lifespans (just 4 to 5 years compared to the usual 10 to 12). Without much hesitation, he quickly shifted back to methods in tune with more traditional practices: abandoning the use of synthetic pesticides, allowing cattle to roam freely in the large barn, and growing his own feed made up of hay and alfalfa. Today, his 150 cows are paid extra attention - enjoy rotating brushes for unlimited back scratches, sand bed stalls to roll in, and the freedom to use self-milking machines whenever they like. 

On the Marketplace, you’ll find Ferme Vallée Verte's traditional and chocolate milk in glass bottles, pasteurized at low temperatures to preserve its natural qualities and kept non-homogenized for a richer taste. And if you’re looking for something a little unexpected, their cheddar is worth a nibble.

Laiterie des trois vallées, Laurentides

Stacked with decades of know-how rooted in the Laurentians. Tucked between mountains and valleys, this dairy’s story begins in 1944, when Émile Bélanger delivered his first litres of milk to families in Mont-Laurier. Fifty years later, a collective of 85 producers carried that legacy forward, keeping the same commitment to 100% local milk poured together by farms within 50 kilometres. Their cows are primarily pasture-fed, and their methods strike a balance between tradition and innovation - in other words: skimming, pasteurizing, and homogenizing with a light touch to preserve the milk’s natural taste while bottling less than 24 hours after collection to capture its freshness.

Laiterie des trois vallées offer an affordable lineup for our Lufavores, packaged entirely in recyclable containers. From skim to whole, chocolate milk, and even St-Père and coffee creams - their range has the daily necessities covered. 

Raising the standards…and keeping them high. Our team is always on the hunt for more local, traceable, and responsible dairy partners - so Lufavores can count on finding a glass that matches their values, tastes, and budgets. It’s part of our broader goal of building a better food system close to home, while continually looking for new ways to improve what’s already on the table.