Labour markets are often best understood at a local or regional level where various contributing factors are well understood, sources of labour supply can be characterized, and detailed knowledge of individual facilities exist. The purpose of this regional report is to provide information on the dairy processing industry in the greater Halifax, NS area so that readers have detailed information and a better understanding of the local dairy processing industry. The profile outlines the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the region, the regional labour force, the regional dairy processing industry, and an outlook for the specific dairy processing workforce in the Halifax region. This regional profile is part of a series of regional reports for the Canadian dairy processing industry, which is a component of a larger labour market information study of dairy processing in Canada.
The region accounts for approximately 57% of dairy processing facilities in Nova Scotia, with an emphasis on cheese and butter production.
Dairy processing employment in the region is estimated at approximately 459 in 2021 which is actually about 0.2% of the total employment in the area.
By the end of this decade (2030), it is estimated that 225 new hires will be required for the regional dairy processing industry, with 67% of this requirement due to replacement of current workers (e.g., retirements).
