Dairy policy by dairy farmers

By Nathan Pope, Policy Manager, Australian Dairy Farmers 

Australian Dairy Farmers’ (ADF) commitment to farmer-driven policy is evident in the rigorous and responsive discussions held during our recent Policy Advisory Group (PAG) meetings. 

These meetings are not just routine; they are critical touchpoints where the experiences of our dairy farmers directly influence the policy direction of our organisation. The three PAGs are each led by dairy farmers. 

People and Communities PAG

Under Michele Lawrence, the People and Communities PAG has taken significant steps to address pressing issues impacting farms and communities. 

The decision to pursue ADF’s membership in FarmSafe was a key outcome of the group’s recent meeting. This move is particularly timely as the industry faces increasing scrutiny over farm safety practices.  

The membership allows ADF to leverage FarmSafe’s resources and expertise to enhance safety protocols across dairy farms, directly addressing the rising concern about workplace injuries and mental health challenges in rural areas. 

The PAG also discussed the working holiday maker visa review, highlighting the critical nature of this labour source for dairy farms, especially where seasonal labour shortages have been a persistent challenge.  

The group emphasised the need for ADF to advocate for visa conditions that are flexible enough to meet the demands of dairy farming while ensuring fair treatment for workers. 

In addition, changes to industrial relations laws, particularly those affecting casual and part-time workers, were scrutinised. The group expressed concerns about the potential impact on labour costs and the administrative burden on farm businesses.  

Farm Operations PAG 

The Farm Operations PAG, led by Andrew Aldridge, addressed several critical issues during its recent meeting, particularly in the context of emergency preparedness.  

A briefing from ADF’s water taskforce was a focal point of the meeting, with in-depth discussions on the implications of water policy reforms within the Murray-Darling Basin. 

There is concern among dairy farmers in that region about the long-term viability of their operations due to fluctuating water allocations and the rising costs of water. The taskforce provided updates on ongoing advocacy efforts, emphasising the need for a balanced approach that considers both environmental sustainability and the economic realities of farming.  

This briefing reinforced the importance of ADF’s role in lobbying for fair water distribution policies that support the dairy sector. 

The PAG also delved into antimicrobial labelling, with members noting the increasing consumer demand for transparency in food production. The discussion was framed around maintaining Australia’s high standards while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burdens that could disadvantage local producers in the global market.  

The group’s exploration of carbon trading and energy policy reflected dairy’s broader commitment to sustainability, recognising that these areas are not just regulatory challenges but also opportunities for the dairy industry to lead in environmental stewardship. 

Trade and Economics PAG 

Under Paul Mumford, the Trade and Economics PAG tackled several strategic issues with significant implications for the future of the Australian dairy industry.  

The announcement of Indonesia’s policy to provide free milk in schools was identified as an opportunity for Australian dairy exports. The group discussed how this policy could open new markets for Australian dairy products, particularly given the strong trade ties and the existing framework of agreements between Australia and Indonesia.  

The PAG recommended a proactive approach to engaging with Indonesian authorities, government and local dairy stakeholders to secure a significant share of this market, emphasising the need for competitive pricing and high-quality standards to meet the expected surge in demand. 

The declining milk pool was another critical issue on the agenda, with group analysing the factors contributing to this trend.  

The discussions were informed by data showing that rising input costs, changing consumer preferences, and increasing competition from plant-based alternatives are all exerting downward pressure on milk production.  

Members stressed the importance of policy interventions to reverse this trend, including measures to support farm profitability. 

National Council – bringing PAG outcomes together 

ADF’s National Council has met twice in recent months. Its purpose is to synthesise the outcomes of the three PAGs. 

These meetings were significant events, particularly in light of the upcoming reviews of Dairy Australia. These are important for the industry, as they will shape the strategic direction and effectiveness of our key research and development body.  

The council also reviewed updates on the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework – a key initiative that tracks the industry’s progress towards achieving sustainability goals.  

The discussion highlighted the need for continued efforts to promote sustainable farming practices that are both environmentally sound and economically viable. The council emphasised sustainability is not just a regulatory requirement, but a core component of the industry’s value proposition to consumers and markets. 

Each of these five meetings helps inform ADF’s policy development process, driven by the insights and recommendations from our grassroots members.  

They help ADF advocate for policies that support the long-term success and sustainability of the Australian dairy industry. 

Caption: Australian Dairy Farmers’ three Policy Advisory Groups each met recently, along with two meetings of its National Council (pictured).