The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has welcomed positive initiatives provided in the Federal Government’s release of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, which will assist Australian dairy to sustainably grow and prosper.
Welcoming key policy settings delivered in the white paper including the appointment of an Agricultural Commissioner to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to assist in creating a stronger business environment, the ADIC said that now it is time to set the plan in motion.
“We are pleased to see that key points of the ADIC’s recommendations to the Green Paper have been taken on board,” ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said.
“In particular, the provision of $11.4 million over four years toward boosting ACCC engagement with agriculture, including an ACCC Agriculture Commissioner, will aid in fostering a more competitive environment throughout the supply chain.”
Another significant investment for dairy was delivered in the decision to enable farmers to double their Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) to $800,000. Farmers will also be able to use FMDs as a loan offset to reduce interest costs.
“According to ABARES if all FMD holdings are used to offset loans, the benefit to the farm sector in interest savings could amount to $150 million a year,” Mr Campbell said.
The decision to increase Agricultural Counsellors in key overseas markets was also welcomed by the ADIC, as a positive first step toward addressing technical barriers to trade in export markets. The next step according to the ADIC is to ensure that these Counsellors are supported by technical experts embedded within government agencies at home.
“The ADIC has been a strong advocate for increased resources toward overcoming technical barriers to trade in overseas markets and we are pleased to see the Government’s acknowledgement of this issue,” Mr Campbell said.
“The extent to which our industry is able to seize opportunities delivered through recently completed trade agreements will depend upon addressing non-tariff barriers to trade. These Counsellors will improve our competitiveness in international markets greatly.”
The Government’s enhanced commitment to research, development and extension projects with a focus on innovation and risk management was also welcomed by the ADIC. The commitment of $200 million to improve biosecurity surveillance and analysis nationally will also play an essential role in creating a more durable, profitable and competitive dairy industry.
Additionally, the Government’s proposal that water efficiency projects combined with improving existing water infrastructure and developing new infrastructure be implemented. Increased support for these initiatives was a key recommendation in the ADIC’s submission to the Green Paper.
The ADIC is committed to working with Government to see swift implementation of the initiatives delivered in the White Paper, to ensure they translate into real outcomes for the dairy industry.
Media Contact:
Shona McPherson, Media Officer
M: 0447 161 919
E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au