Farmers Dairy and Quebec’s Agropur are merging together to become a national cooperative.

The companies say the merger will mean better milk processing for both co-ops, and some dairy products like cheese can be on store shelves across the country.

Agropur’s Dominique Benoit says this is good news for their co-op, which produces in Quebec, Alberta and B.C.

“It means now that Farmers co-op members will have access to the Canadian market in total.” said Benoit. “While Agropur’s members will have access to the Maritime market.”

Farmers Chairperson Jeannie van Dyk says becoming a national co-op strengthens local infrastructure.

“We have a commitment of $10 million to be invested here,” said van Dyk. “And that’s in new technology upgrades so we can continue to process our milk here.”

Both co-ops said it’s too early to say if jobs will be created or lost.

Farmers milk will still be produced and distributed locally, and milk prices shouldn’t change.