Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has elected Simone Jolliffe as the peak advocacy and lobby group’s incoming President.

Simone Jolliffe brings over a decade of representational experience to her new role. Mrs Jolliffe has worked with ADF and member organisations on various activities and was appointed as a Business Director of ADF in January 2014.

Outgoing ADF President, Noel Campbell announced in July 2015 that he would retire at the end of his term and therefore did not seek re-election.

Mrs Jolliffe paid tribute to Noel Campbell as outgoing ADF President, pledging her commitment to drive policies with a unity of purpose across agriculture and close engagement with the broader community going forward.

“On behalf of ADF I would like to thank Noel for his tireless contribution to ADF as well as the industry more broadly over the years, and for his strong commitment to dairy,” Mrs Jolliffe said. “We are a stronger organisation for his involvement.”

As well as her strong representational experience, Mrs Jolliffe has been actively engaged with research, development and extension programs on both a state and national level. She has previously held the position of Deputy Chair on the Board of Dairy NSW and was recently appointed Chair of the Herd Improvement Industry Strategic Steering Group.

Simone is passionate about supporting farmers’ at the grassroots. She has a strong community leadership base having been a part of the Young Cattleman’s Union, as well as the Murrumbidgee Holstein Branch, Possum’s Daycare and Rainbow Preschool Management committees, and North Wagga Public School’s Parents and Citizens Association.

Earlier in the day, at the ADF Annual General Meeting Victorian dairy farmer, Terry Richardson was appointed by ADF’s Business Members as an ADF Business Director. The appointment of Dr Deedee Woodside, as Independent Director was also ratified.

State Members, Business Members and invited guests heard from outgoing President, Noel Campbell and Ben Stapley, ADF’s CEO about the year in review. Mr Campbell welcomed the new directors, and thanked outgoing ADF Independent Director, Dr Anne Astin for her years of dedicated service to ADF.

“Anne has served the dairy industry in one way or another for over 30 years, and she remains one of our most passionate advocates,” Mr Campbell said. “Anne’s time and expertise has helped ADF to grow and strengthen its operations. We wish Anne every success in future.”

The ADF Board is comprised of four farmer directors Simone Jolliffe, David Basham, Tyran Jones, and Terry Richardson, and one independent director, Dr Deedee Woodside.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has acknowledged the Government’s response to the Harper Review announced on Tuesday 24 November as a positive move toward strengthening the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

ADF President, Noel Campbell recognised the Government’s support for key recommendations in the review as an acknowledgement of the peak body’s advocacy on behalf of dairy farmers.

“We are pleased to see support for the proposed changes to collective bargaining,” Mr Campbell said.

“These reforms will help improve farmers negotiating powers, and will contribute to fostering a more competitive business environment in future.”

ADF expressed disappointment that reform recommended by the Harper Review to section 46 of the Act, dealing with the misuse of market power has been delayed. However, the Government’s announcement to undertake further public consultation into s46 was welcome.

ADF strongly supports the Harper Review’s recommendations for any updated competition and consumer law to include an effects test.

“We will continue to advocate for improved transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers, and for the regulating bodies to have the power to prevent potentially damaging situations such as retailer predatory pricing in future,” Mr Campbell said.

“ADF is advocating for certainty that the legal process is able to provide integrity and transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers. We are hopeful that this will prevent damaging practices, including predatory pricing in future.”

Mr Campbell also noted the Government’s support for recommendation 53 of the review, which refers to small business access to remedies. This mechanism will make dispute resolution in the Federal Court more accessible to suppliers.

ADF looks forward to an ongoing and constructive dialogue with Government to deliver tangible outcomes with regards to competition policy for the farm sector.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

With voting only open for one more week on the Dairy Levy Poll process review, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is urging dairy levy payers to vote now, to ensure their views are heard.

ADF President Noel Campbell called for all levy payers to submit their vote.

“It is crucial levy payers vote as we want to make sure what is proposed to Federal Government is a true representation of their views,” Mr Campbell said.

“Voting will remain open until midday (AEDT) on Friday 27 November so I urge all dairy farmers get voting.”

“We’ve consulted with dairy farmers across Australia and it’s clear that they believe the industry should make the changes to the levy poll process, not least for the time and money saved as a result.”

Voting papers have been sent to farmers, asking them to vote Yes or No to changes which if supported with a Yes vote, will see a Levy Poll held only when a change to the levy or its procedures is proposed.

Once the changes are implemented a “failsafe” mechanism will be available for farmers to initiate a poll if they believe it is necessary.

Mr Campbell emphasised that under the changes Dairy Australia will still be required to undergo an independent performance review at least every five years. This will inform an independent committee of industry representatives on whether a levy poll is required.

The Dairy Levy Poll process review vote can be completed by post, email, fax or online at

http://www.computershare.com.au/dairylevy2015

For further information regarding the Dairy Levy Poll process review, voting options and details on how to vote visit www.dairylevypollreview.com.au.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) joined the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers in Canberra today to recognise the nation’s high quality, diverse produce at Parliament House.

A vast array of seasonal produce was on offer in the courtyards of Parliament House, where over 150 key parliamentarians were provided with insights about the range of food and fibre produced across Australia, and the hard working farmers who produce it. In collaboration with Dairy Australia, ADF provided a range of Australian Grand Dairy Award winning cheeses, as well as Sharma’s Kitchen flavoured milk.

As a $13 billion farm, processing and export industry, Australian dairy is Australia’s number one value-adding agricultural industry. It generates almost $3 billion in exports, and puts a range of quality dairy products in nine out of ten Aussie homes every day.

More than 39,000 people are directly employed on dairy farms and throughout the processing sector, and a further 100,000 Australians rely on dairy for their livelihoods, including veterinarians, scientists, mechanics, financial advisers and feed suppliers.

“With every block of cheese, tub of yoghurt and bottle of infant formula we aim to be more prosperous, trusted and world renowned for our nutrition than ever before,” Mr Campbell said.

“Today is about helping our key decision makers understand the value our industry delivers to Australian businesses, families and communities, and highlighting how decisions made in Canberra affect our capacity to produce. We look forward to continuing these conversations to ensure a more sustainable, profitable future for Australian dairy.”

ADF acknowledged the effort of the NFF who helped bring the Australian Parliament Farmers’ Market to Canberra, and extended its thanks to the Co-convenors of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP and Nola Marino MP, together with GrainGrowers Limited, for assisting with the organisation of this event.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Voting to change the Dairy Levy Poll Process has opened and Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is encouraging all farmers to have their say.

The dairy industry’s peak policy and advocacy group ADF urged dairy farmers to vote yes on their ballot papers, which were mailed this week to all dairy levy payers.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said levy payers need to make their views clear to the Federal Government.

“Voting yes means a Levy Poll would only be held when a change to the levy or its procedures is proposed. In short, no change, no Levy Poll,” he said.

“After the last poll in 2012, the clear message from dairy farmers was that the efforts and funds dedicated towards the poll process could have been better spent delivering dollar value to dairy farmers. The change makes complete sense, saving at least $750 000 that will be redirected to industry programs.”

Mr Campbell said dairy farmers were making it clear in regional meetings across Australia that the industry should make the change.

“We want the Federal Government to be confident that’s the view of levy payers, and this vote will help show dairy farmers’ views” he said.

Mr Campbell reiterated that a yes vote would not remove Dairy Australia from scrutiny. Dairy Australia will still be required to undergo an independent performance review at least every five years, which will then inform an independent committee of industry representatives on whether or not a levy poll is required.

If farmers believe a poll is necessary, there is a failsafe mechanism for a group of levy payers representing at least 15 per cent of levy votes to propose a poll.

The Dairy Levy Poll Process ballot can be completed by post, email, fax or online at www.computershare.com.au/dairylevy2015 Voting will remain open until midday (AEDT) Friday 27 November.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) are calling on Federal Parliament to heed messages from the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Ma Zhaouxu, and ensure the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) does not “slip through our fingers”.

ADF, UDV and the VFF have welcomed Mr Zhaouxu’s comments, which recognised that “the sooner ChAFTA comes into force, the quicker it will benefit producers and consumers in both countries.”

The timely warning came as the peak farm lobby groups wrapped up a regional roadshow in Victoria, which asked farmers and their communities for help in getting the China agreement ratified before the end of the 2015 calendar year.

More than 300 farmers came together over the last week with a resounding call for the China Free Trade Agreement to be ratified by the end of the year. The FTA roadshow started in the state’s west in Warrnambool, touring through Colac, Timboon, Tatura, Cohuna, Leongatha and then finishing on Tuesday in the state’s south in Warragul.

UDV President, Adam Jenkins said the roadshow highlighted the benefits of the ChAFTA to the broader Australian community, as well as breaking down myths created by anti-FTA movements.

“This deal is a generational opportunity to grow our major agricultural supply chains. Dairy, livestock, horticulture, viticulture, grains, and cotton all stand to benefit from the China FTA passing our Federal Parliament,” Mr Jenkins said.

“The union movement is running a misleading and deceptive scare campaign. The facts are that this China FTA will be good for jobs, good for the economy and a boom for our agricultural export market.

ADF President, Noel Campbell called on farmers across all sectors and parts of the country to get ChAFTA over the line.

“Farmers are leading the push to get the deal passed through Parliament. We have been wearing a path to Canberra, lobbying both sides of parliament and the independent senators to highlight why this deal is important,” Mr Campbell said.

“The ChAFTA is under threat. We need farmers, processors, service providers and regional communities to help us get this deal over the line before the end of the year. We need your help to show your neighbours, friends and family why this deal matters for not just for agriculture, but for the entire Australian community.”

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, ADF Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Tom Whitty, VFF Media Manager

M: 0417 165 784

E: twhitty@vff.org.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has supported calls for the Federal Cabinet to adopt stronger misuse of market power laws to foster a more competitive business environment.

While some business groups have suggested that stronger laws about the misuse of market power may have negative impacts on competition and innovation, these claims don’t withstand scrutiny.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said concerns that the introduction of an effects test could put consumers at risk were unfounded.

“These changes are about protecting consumers and competition from actions that substantially lessen competition in a market. These reforms are in consumers’ interests,’ said Mr Campbell.

“The Harper Review made it clear, the law as it stand is inadequate. The Government must not let self-interested businesses and organisations with excessive market share further limit competition to the detriment of consumers, farmers and the Government.”

ADF strongly supports the Harper Review’s recommendations for any updated competition and consumer law to include an effects test. ADF is advocating for certainty that the legal process is able to provide integrity and transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers. ADF is hopeful that this will prevent damaging practices, including predatory pricing in future.

Addressing the misuse of market power is crucial in determining the Australian dairy industry’s future profitability and sustainability. Farmers need every opportunity to improve their negotiating power for profitability and returns at the farm-gate to be achieved.

ADF looks forward to working with both sides of Parliament, to ensure the unequal distribution of market power is addressed for the benefit of the entire food and grocery sector and for all Australian consumers.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has congratulated the Legendairy Capital for 2015, Stanhope, announced this morning by Dairy Australia.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said the search for the dairy capital had exceeded industry expectations in drawing significant attention to the central role dairy plays in Australia’s rural and regional communities.

“43,000 Aussies are directly employed in the farming and processing sectors of our industry. A further 100,000 rely on the dairy industry for their work,” Mr Campbell said.

“As the economic backbone for many rural and regional communities across Australia, dairy enhances livelihoods and improves the wellbeing of these communities. For towns like Stanhope, dairy is a defining aspect of what makes their town great – the Legendairy Capital search has shone a light on this.”

“Congratulations to all the finalists, and to Stanhope on being crowned the 2015 Legendairy Capital.”

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

THE United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) together with the Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) will next week launch a state-wide roadshow to highlight the importance of ratifying the China- Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).

The farmer focused forums will offer farmers the opportunity to hear the benefits theChAFTA will deliver and how they can help ensure the ChAFTA is ratified in this calendar year.

“The ChAFTA is a once in a generation opportunity to grow Australian agriculture, particularly dairy, and boost our regional economies. If our Federal Parliament fails to get this ratified before the end of 2015, Australian agriculture and businesses will suffer,” UDV spokesperson, Vin Delahunty said.

“Right now the ChAFTA is under threat – we are ready to tell Victoria the real facts. This landmark deal will impact all of regional Victoria. The long-term prosperity of dairy and regional communities relies on free access to this major international market.

“I congratulate the Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford and Premier Daniel Andrews for realising the importance of this FTA and being just two of many senior Labor figures who have publicly backed the ChAFTA.This leadership is crucial for Australian agriculture to thrive,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Implementing the ChAFTA will provide Australian businesses unprecedented access to the world’s second largest market encompassing over 1.3 billion consumers.”

“It will mean $25 billion in trade to China by 2020. This means more job opportunities for Australians and more money in the pockets of Australian families.”

ADF President, Noel Campbell said the regional forums would encourage further grassroots support for ratifying the deal this year.

“This trade agreement has taken 10 years to negotiate and it needs to be passed through Parliament so farm businesses can take advantage of two tariff cuts in quick succession – once when ratified and again on 1 January 2016,” Mr Campbell said.

“China is the world’s largest dairy import market. It is time for our farming community to come together and stand up to let Parliament know exactly what this means to our sector.”

Farrer House 24-28 Collins Street Melbourne 3000
Ph. 03 9207 5555 | Fax. 03 9207 5500 | E-mail. vff@vff.org.au | www.vff.org.au

The ChAFTA is a game changer. To delay the China trade deal means a lost opportunity – for jobs, farmers and regional towns.

China FTA Regional Roadshow Dates

Meeting Locations (September):

Monday, 21: Warrnambool – 12pm; Colac – 7pm

Tuesday, 22: Timboon – 11am

Wednesday, 23: Cohuna – 11am; Tatura – 7pm

Monday, 28: Maffra – 11am; Leongatha – 7pm

Tuesday, 29: Warragul – 11am

To register contact VFF Member Services on 1300 882 833 or email members@vff.org.au For more information visit www.FTA4dairy.com.au

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, ADF Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Tom Whitty, VFF Media Manager

M: 0417 165 784

E: twhitty@vff.org.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is urging support from dairy levy payers’ for recommendations to streamline the dairy levy process, and to opt for a levy poll only when a change in the levy is being sought.

ADF has suggested the change, based on the recommendations of the independent Dairy Levy Poll Process Review panel, commissioned following Dairy Australia’s 2014 Annual General Meeting. The panel concluded that there are big cost-savings and operational efficiencies gained by making this change.

“After the last poll in 2012, the clear message from Australian dairy farmers was that the efforts and funds dedicated towards the poll process could have been better spent delivering dollar value to dairy farmers,” said ADF President, Noel Campbell.

“It makes absolute sense, and the six-member panel recommendation was unanimous: we only vote when a change is proposed.”

Mr Campbell stressed the panel recommendation included a “failsafe” mechanism. If farmers believe a poll is necessary, they can initiate one by bringing together a group of levy payers representing at least 15 per cent of levy votes. This would activate a Dairy Australia General Meeting where 50 per cent of voters would need to resolve to hold a poll.

“This proposal is not about removing Dairy Australia from scrutiny. This is about a direct saving of at least $750, 000 that can instead go directly to industry benefit,” he said. That’s why ADF supports it, and why we believe dairy levy payers should also support it.”

The panel’s considerations included research conducted by Dairy Australia with levy payers after the 2012 poll, feedback from industry groups, public submissions and direct conversations with farmers in dairy regions around the country.

Mr Campbell said the industry must endorse to the Federal Government the changes to the levy poll, which would require amending the Dairy Produce Act and its regulations.

“That means achieving consensus, and ensuring we’ve consulted widely and well with levy payers on this matter, and also conducted a simple vote to demonstrate the merit of the proposal. This has to be wrapped up before the end of this year.”

ADF will provide farmers with the opportunity to discuss the recommendations at regional meetings over the next two months. The report of the independent panel is at www.dairylevypollreview.com.au

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the announcement that the first products under Fonterra Australia’s partnership with Woolworths, rolled off the line at the milk processor’s new Beverages Plant in Cobden, Victoria yesterday.

The state-of-the-art plant, which will be officially launched by Fonterra in September, has generated 50 new jobs in Cobden and will supply Woolworths’ Select Own Brand Milk for the next ten years.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said he expected that the benefits of the long term contract between Fonterra and Woolworths would flow through to the farmers’ bottom line.

“The duration of Woolworth’s commitment with Fonterra Australia is welcome. Retail contracts with this sort of longevity provide milk processors with the security and certainty they require to invest in the industry’s capability and growth,” Mr Campbell said.

“The ten year contract also gives Fonterra the option to provide longer term contracts to their suppliers. Farmers are always more willing to invest on-farm when they have a certain destination for their product.”

Mr Campbell said ADF would continue to monitor farm gate returns for farmers supplying fresh milk contracts and as always, encouraged all Australians to buy branded to support all Australian dairy farmers.

“It is essential that farmers are paid sustainable prices for the dairy sector to remain healthy and competitive so we can continue to produce high quality dairy products in Australia.”

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has announced the appointment of Mr Benjamin (Ben) Stapley as the incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Australia’s peak dairy farm body.

With a strong background in member advocacy, stakeholder engagement, policy development and media management, Mr Stapley comes into the role after two years as Director of Policy and Regulation at the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA).

Mr Stapley’s expertise in developing and executing strategic advocacy and communications activities will ensure that ADF continues to be a strong advocate for Australia’s dairy farmers. Prior

engagements have included leading policy, regulatory and advocacy programs for Australia’s chemical manufacturers and importers, and for Australia’s agricultural chemical suppliers. Mr Stapley brings particular experience in government relations with extensive networks within the Government and bureaucracy central to ADF’s interests.

Previous roles with the Commonwealth Government saw Mr Stapley work closely with industry stakeholders to reform and streamline Australia’s management systems for environmentally hazardous chemicals.

“ADF is pleased to welcome Ben and I, along with my fellow Directors, National Council and staff look forward to working with him to continually improve the sustainability and profitability of farmers across all dairying regions,” ADF President, Noel Campbell said.

Mr Stapley has also attained qualifications in both Law and Architecture.

“Australia’s dairy farmers have a very bright future and I am proud to be given this opportunity to work with the ADF Board, staff and farmers to help deliver a vibrant, profitable and sustainable dairy farming sector in Australia,” said Mr Stapley.

ADF Interim CEO Dr Clive Noble, who took on the role as a short term break from his consulting business, will continue in the position until 26 August, and Mr Stapley will commence on 1 September 2015.

Mr Campbell thanked Dr Noble for his contribution and service to ADF during his time as Interim CEO and wished him every success in his future endeavours.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au