Dairy farmers around the country are today being celebrated for their hard work, dedication and commitment to producing trusted and nutritious products.
The inaugural National Agriculture Day (Ag Day) recognises the remarkable contribution agriculture makes to Australian society and the economy.
Australian Dairy Farmers President, Terry Richardson, said the dairy industry was a key contributor to Australia’s agricultural sector, and a major employer in rural and regional areas.
“Every year Australian dairy farmers produce more than 9 billion litres milk on just under 6000 farms,” Mr Richardson said.
“Our industry employs more than 42,000 people across the supply chain, in both regional and rural centres, and we are the fourth biggest dairy exporter in the world.
“Based on a farmgate value of production of $3.7 billion, it is worth about $13.7 billion across the supply chain.”
Ag Day, an initiative of the National Farmers Federation and the Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, comes on the back of recent research, which found that 83% of Australians would describe their connection with farming as ‘distant’ or ‘non-existent’.
Given its importance to the economy and society, Mr Richardson said it was important to better connect consumers with the sector.
“The Australian agricultural sector is valued at more than $60 billion annually and is the countries’ second largest export industry,” Mr Richardson said.
“We like consumers to have a connection with where their food comes from and how it is produced.
“Australians should be very proud of their dairy industry. We’re world leaders in producing clean, green and nutritious dairy products and our sustainable practices are recognised internationally as some of the best in the world.”
National Ag Day is being celebrated at events and functions across Australia. Get involved at www.agday.org.au.
Media Contact:
Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager
M: 0447 161 919
E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au