By TERRY RICHARDSON, ADF PRESIDENT
For the first time in a decade Australian dairy farmers will get a say on how much money is invested in the industry services managed and delivered by Dairy Australia.
This is an outcome sought and welcomed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF).
In July, the Levy Poll Advisory Committee (LPAC) recommended that a poll of all dairy farmers be held to set the future level of the dairy service levy – a levy that funds Dairy Australia, including its research and innovation.
This is good news for dairy farmers. We can now consider whether the current dairy levy, or a potential increase in the levy, is needed to ensure the investment in farmer RD&E meets our farmers’ needs.
The LPAC is developing the voting options which will go on a ballot. This process has included seeking input from dairy farmers to determine the voting options, including an option they prefer.
As the voice of dairy farmers, ADF is deeply committed to working with our members, LPAC, Dairy Australia and the broader levy payer farmer base to ensure that an effective and engaging consultation process is undertaken prior to the March 2022 vote.
It is essential this process delivers clear and concise feedback from farmers, because the levy poll should not be taken likely. It will determine how much is invested into RD&E for the coming years.
We expect that levy payers will be informed of voting options by late September, with the levy poll to be held in March 2022.
Importance of leadership in levy poll
While it’s too early for ADF to form a view on a preferred voting option, we know as the national representative body, we need to build consensus among people with diverse views on what levy is best for the industry.
However, we do anticipate that an option to maintain current levels will be included in the levy poll, together with any options for an increase that LPAC may determine appropriate.
The levy poll provides dairy farmers with the opportunity to have a say on an important investment that works to benefit their dairy farm businesses and advance the industry as a whole.
We need to ensure the levy sets the industry up for success, by resourcing Dairy Australia to:
- deliver on the five-year strategic plan agreed by industry
- build and maintain the capacity of Dairy Australia to respond to emerging issues (challenges and opportunities)
- continue to invest in high-returning research and development
- deliver specific services as prioritised by levy payers
- collaborate with other agencies to meet ‘head on’ the broader challenges facing the agriculture sector.
Throughout the levy poll development and voting, ADF and the state dairy farmer organisations will engage and consult with our membership.
When you vote – via the poll – I encourage you to think about the broader industry and services that benefit everyone, now and into the future.
To our members, no matter what you vote I have great respect for belief and conviction and urge you to consider the poll carefully.