Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) believes there is an urgent need for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to conduct a socio-economic analysis on the impacts of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan for the Southern Basin communities.

This is needed to provide an understanding of any proposed changes to the northern Basin plan as a result of the recently released socio-economic analysis of the impacts on the north.

“The MDBA should not be reviewing water recovery targets in the northern end of the Basin without understanding the impacts in the south,” said the chair of the ADIC Water Taskforce, Daryl Hoey.

“The authority can’t ask government to change the northern Basin target without also reviewing what different water recovery levels mean for southern communities and the environment,” said Mr Hoey.

As a response, the dairy industry has and continues to invest in a number of reports to track the Basin Plan’s socio-economic effects, and the implications of attempting to recover more water from the irrigation pool.

In March 2016, Dairy Australia commissioned Aither consultants to model the effects on the temporary water price of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan buybacks for the environment, and changing water demand from different industries.

It concludes that removing any more water from the collective pool, i.e. north and south, will inevitably make water more expensive, with serious implications for the dairy industry.

The positive stride taken by government toward improving the Murray-Darling Basin Plan must now extend to the southern basin communities as a matter of urgency.

The ADF is committed to working with Government to improve the management of water in the Basin, achieve the necessary community buy-in, and achieve socio-economic outcomes while meeting environmental targets.

Media Contact:

Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has today welcomed the government’s announcement to drop the proposed 32.5 per cent tax on backpackers.

A recent draft report released by the Productivity Commission into the regulatory burden on Australian agriculture has been welcomed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) as an important first step.

Released yesterday, the report backs recommendations made by an ADF submission earlier that the level of red tape imposed on dairy farmers, including constraints around land use planning; plant science technologies; and transport regulations are costing farm businesses unnecessarily.

Acting ADF President, David Basham said minimising unnecessary red tape would deliver meaningful economic benefits for the entire dairy supply chain.

“As a producer of high quality, nutritious food which is exported to the world, the industry supports regulations to maintain and uphold the industry’s reputation. However, it is important that regulation is appropriately targeted, clearly understood and is not duplicated to the detriment of the industry and the economy,” Mr Basham said.

“When regulation is unnecessary, it often adds an avoidable cost to dairy farmers, which has to be absorbed by the business. This can have the effect of constraining growth or limiting a farmers’ ability to allocate funds to necessary aspects of the business.”

“This report opens up the conversation with industry about reducing red tape on dairy farmers while maintaining our high biosecurity standards and safe, quality products. There are a number of aspects in the report which ADF will be providing feedback on, including the need for an effects test to prevent predatory pricing.”

ADF is pleased that the Productivity Commission has released the draft report and looks forward to working with Government to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The dairy industry’s peak farmer body, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) today announced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Benjamin Stapley has resigned from his position.

Acting ADF President, David Basham, thanked Mr Stapley for his service over the past nine months, a period which has presented unprecedented challenges for the entire dairy sector.

Mr Basham said the team at ADF remained committed to providing targeted assistance for farmers and would continue to advocate strongly on their behalf.

ADF’s immediate and ongoing challenge is to maintain pressure on the Federal Government and Opposition alike to drive policy outcomes that provide dairy farmers with greater certainty about their businesses and the broader sector.

The vacancy created by the departure of Mr Stapley will be addressed immediately so that ADF can continue business as usual and meet the demands of the current challenges across the industry.

Mr Basham said the ADF Board had already taken steps to ensure that the role of CEO is well served in both the short and long term. Contact has already been made with former ADF CEO John McQueen, now an industry consultant, to step into this important leadership role on an interim basis while the recruitment process is completed.

Mr Basham said he had every confidence that Mr McQueen would be able to step into the role as early as Monday morning and that there will be a smooth, effective transition so no time is lost in fulfilling ADF’s mission to lobby for a stronger future for Australian dairy farmers.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

With approximately 4,000 dairy farmers impacted by unprecedented market shocks in recent weeks, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has called on the Federal and State Governments to stop playing politics with dairy farmers’ livelihoods and make Dairy Recovery Concessional Loans available now.

Acting ADF President, David Basham said the dairy industry had welcomed the Government’s efforts to provide targeted assistance but it remains essential for details to be released urgently.

“It’s now been over two weeks since formal announcements were made regarding assistance for farmers. In order for these measures to be meaningful they must be delivered now,” Mr Basham said.

“ADF, together with state dairy farming organisations, has clearly communicated to all levels of Government that all farmers, not only those who supply Murray Goulburn and Fonterra, need immediate access to the promised dairy loans. This must consider share-farmers and those who have previously been ineligible for government assistance due to their residency status.”

The urgency for making the loans available is compounded by impending July 1 milk price announcements to be made by processors, Mr Basham said.

“Farmers need to know right now whether or not they are eligible for the 10-year Recovery Loans so they are able to compare with loans being offered by milk processors. It’s time for all parties to come to the table and back industry’s efforts to support farmers through the challenging times.”

“Government to government bickering is helping no-one, least of all those most in need – dairy farming families. We continue to urge bipartisan support from all levels of parliament to deliver swift and comprehensive assistance for farmers, to safeguard the dairy industry’s long term future.”

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has acknowledged Warrnambool Cheese and Butter’s (WCB) early announcement of their opening milk price today, the timing of which provides farmers with much-needed certainty.

ADF Acting President, David Basham said the opening price of $4.80 is extremely disappointing, however by making the announcement early suppliers have the opportunity to properly budget and plan for the season ahead.

“There is no denying that this low price is going to hurt. Having said this, we recognise that WCB have heeded the industry’s call for earlier pricing announcements,” Mr Basham said.

“ADF is urging all processors to follow suit and urgently communicate their opening price as soon as possible to help farmers plan and make important on-farm decisions. Give farmers a fair go.”

ADF continues to push for increased transparency throughout the dairy supply chain, and will work with members to build a fairer pricing system.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

“Our first interest, with State dairy farmer organisations, is dairy farmers’ wellbeing, and our clear intent is to ensure no dairy farmer is ever again so vulnerable to processor decisions,” Mr Basham said.

“We must better balance market volatility throughout the Australian dairy supply chain.

“The last few weeks have painfully illustrated that farmers bear more than their fair share of risk and financial fall-out from global market volatility,” he said.

“Improving equity and transparency are just some of the matters ADF is driving with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Federal Government.”

He said short-term, targeted assistance measures provided by State and Federal Governments were broadly positive and reflected the immediate needs of the most affected dairy farmers.

“But it is crucial that the full suite of support measures be available to farmers across all dairying regions, as processors begin the process of setting milk prices to be paid from 1 July.”

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Amid a time of hardship, the 2016-2017 Federal Budget has delivered on some important priorities for the dairy industry amid other cutbacks, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) said today.

ADF President, Simone Jolliffe said the Coalition Government has struck a difficult balance between the need to find savings and the need to invest in the long term future of agriculture.

Mrs Jolliffe said “the dairy industry understands this was always going to be a tough, no-frills budget with little in the way of major new spending initiatives in agriculture. Having said this, there are a few positive incentives for the dairy industry.”

ADF noted moderate progress in the budget including:

• $7 million over 4 years to continue additional positions within the Rural Financial Counsellors Service;
• $15.9 million over 4 years to build an advanced analytics capability within the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for identification of biosecurity risks to the farm sector;
• A tax cut for small business – 2.5% off the company tax rate from 1 July 2016 which becomes available to all small companies with an annual turnover of less than $10 million;
• Unincorporated small business tax discount increased from 5 to 8 per cent from 1 July 2016 for small businesses with a turnover of less than $5 million;
• Increasing access to a range of small business tax concessions for businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million, including the ability to immediately deduct asset purchase costing less than $20,000 until 30 June 2017; and
• $15 million to control carp in the Murray Darling Basin.

ADF remains concerned about the lack of movement with regards to the backpacker tax.

“The Government must restore certainty and confidence to farm businesses and rural communities by urgently removing the backpacker tax.”

“The mixed bag of outcomes for dairy is disappointing. We will take these concerns into consideration in delivering our priorities for the election” Mrs Jolliffe said.

ADF will continue lobbying Government to implement policies and programs that will support farmers through current difficult market conditions.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers Limited (ADF) has expressed disappointment at the announcement made by Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co Ltd (MG) this morning, regarding their revised opening milk price of between $4.75 and $5.00 per kilogram milk solids (kgms) for the Financial Year 2016. MG has proposed a Milk Supply Support Package that would see farmers receive payments during FY16 equivalent to $5.47 per kgms.

ADF President, Simone Jolliffe said that the situation is particularly troubling during a time when farmers are already experiencing hardship.

“Many farmers are already experiencing a challenging season due to dry conditions – market volatility adds to the already difficult task of managing and budgeting through such a period. This announcement will significantly damage confidence and potential investments in the dairy industry,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“I know it’s a very frustrating situation facing farming families at this time. During times like these we need to ensure we are looking out for one another, and seeking support where possible.”

ADF is working with state dairy farming bodies and Dairy Australia, to support farmers and ensure they have access to all the resources they need.

“ADF will continue to talk to processors to understand the full impact of this announcement on the industry as a whole. We will also continue to urge them to communicate with their suppliers and explain any changes,” Mrs Jolliffe.

“Within the industry there are resources, including Dairy Australia’s Tactics for Tight Times and work being applied to help dairy farmers confront this challenge. We are working in partnership across the industry to support Australian dairy farmers in their decision making and cope with the challenges ahead.”

ADF encouraged farmers to contact their local regional development program or state dairy farming organisation for support services. Farmers looking for mental health support are encouraged to contact Beyond Blue or Lifeline.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has applauded the introduction of an ‘effects test’ by the Federal Government, which will strengthen competition across the grocery supply chain.

Australian Dairy Farmers’ (ADF) has welcomed Mick Keogh OAM’s appointment as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) first Agricultural Commissioner.

Mr Keogh brings a wealth of agriculture industry knowledge and experience to the new position. Mr Keogh has researched and written on the impact of supermarket dominance and the struggle for governments to find an appropriate response to ensure markets remain fair. ADF believes this awareness will be invaluable to the role.

ADF President, Simone Jolliffe said Mr Keogh’s appointment delivered on a key outcome of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper that would help drive competitiveness across the agriculture supply chain.

“ADF in collaboration with its State member organisations has long advocated for the ACCC to increase engagement with the agriculture sector, to help foster a stronger business environment for our farmers,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“Mr Keogh’s appointment is a good step toward ensuring farmers’ interests are recognised and understood. We look forward to working with him and the ACCC’s Agriculture Engagement Unit to ensure a transparent, fair supply chain.”

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au