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

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the official launch of Dairy Australia’s new web- based farm business management tool DairyBase.

ADF President, Noel Campbell endorsed the tool as a highly valuable resource, which will assist farmers who want to reduce on-farm costs, boost profitability and formulate annual business plans.

“DairyBase provides farmers, service providers and industry with a tool where real farm data can be used to measure performance, acknowledge successes and identify risks,” Mr Campbell said.

“Stopping to take stock is essential for good business management and this tool provides a practical, innovative method to delivering more resilient and sustainably profitable farms.”

Used in conjunction with other industry resources including the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s Sustainable Farm Profitability Report, to be officially launched in Victoria tomorrow, DairyBase will help lift farm profitability.

To learn more about DairyBase go to www.dairyaustralia.com.au

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australia’s peak dairy farmer body has welcomed an industry assistance package outlined this morning by Federal Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce.

The dairy industry’s peak farmer body, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), has consolidated its leadership around a new board structure in response to what it says are unprecedented challenges resulting from the dairy industry shock.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the 2015-2016 Federal Budget’s delivery on some important priorities for the dairy industry, as a positive preface to the release of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.

“We are pleased that the Government has delivered on some key priorities for the dairy industry, while also honouring commitments to support drought affected farmers,” ADF President, Noel Campbell said.

“The moderate additional funding provided to our industry recognises the need to invest in dairy so it may grow and prosper and deliver tangible benefits to the Australian economy.”

“We hope that this is just the tip of the iceberg, and that the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper will see greater investment for the Australian dairy industry.”

Relevant highlights for dairy in the budget include:

• Tax breaks for small businesses with an annual turnover under $2 million, which will apply to the vast majority of dairy farm businesses across Australia.
• Drought specific measures that will allow farmers to accelerate depreciation for spending on water, fodder storage and fencing, which will encourage investment and improve cash flow on farm.
• Extension of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme from 1 January 2016 to include a subsidy at a flat rate of $700 per twenty-foot equivalent unit for exports.
• $25 million to help Australian producers access the benefits of free trade agreements, an initiative called for by the NFF; and
• $83 million additional resources allocated to the Drought Package including Rural Financial Counsellors, regional infrastructure projects and mental health programs.

ADF will continue to work with the Government to maximise the benefits of these Budget allocations, as well as to advocate for further direction and clarity on future policy and investment essential to dairy’s long-term sustainability.

To view the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s submission to the Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper click here.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the Federal Government’s attention on energy issues and their objectives to keep prices down in the Energy White Paper, as well as to increase energy productivity and investment in a strong energy sector.

However, ADF is disappointed the White Paper has failed to deliver for Australia’s important rural industries and communities.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said the White Paper provides no direct response to critical issues of reliable and efficient energy supplies in regional areas. Mr Campbell added that the White Paper proposes policies which may add significant cost to regional customers in an attempt to charge consumers actual cost of energy use.

“The priorities suggested by the Government in the White Paper disregard the dairy industry’s high power needs for milking equipment, milk storage and cooling, and milk processing procedures,” Mr Campbell said.

“The introduction of cost-reflective tariffs would distinctly disadvantage dairy farmers and manufacturers located in areas where supply costs are higher and they are unable to alter patterns of energy use to take advantage of cheaper tariffs offered at non-peak times of day.”

In addition, ADF said the proposals to increase investment in the energy sector do not include any new solutions to provide regional consumers with the same reliable supply access enjoyed in urban regions.

“The Government needs to carefully consider all initiatives to ensure there is no damage to long-term competitiveness of Australian agricultural commodities including dairy,” Mr Campbell said.

Mr Campbell noted that a national productivity plan will be developed and hopes there is still an opportunity for the Government to deliver a viable incentive program for dairy farmers and manufacturers to increase their use of energy efficient technologies.

Dairy has already embraced the use of renewable, efficient technologies on farm and in manufacturing, however, this often involves significant capital cost barriers and to continue to build the industry’s long-term sustainability Government attention and action is required.

To enable the Australian dairy industry to grow, prosper and become more sustainable in future, the Government must act to encourage downward pressure on electricity prices, increased uptake of energy efficient technologies, and improve the reliability of supply which currently causes minor processing cost impediments with intermittent failures.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers has welcomed the release of the Competition Policy Review Panel’s final report as crucial to creating a healthier, more competitive and successful market place for consumers, food suppliers and retailers.

ADF strongly supports the review’s recommendations for any updated competition law to include an Effects Test.

ADF will be advocating for certainty that the legal process is able to provide integrity and transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers, and to prevent potentially damaging situations such as retailer predatory pricing in future.

ADF President, Noel Campbell called on the Federal Government to get behind the review’s recommendations to ensure a level playing field for dairy farmers in future.

“As the first review of Australia’s competition laws in over 20 years, this report is crucial in determining the Australian dairy industry’s future profitability and sustainability,” Mr Campbell said.

“We support the Panel’s recommendations to increase the focus on dealing with the current imbalance of major retailer market power. Farmers need every opportunity to improve their negotiating power for profitability and returns at the farm-gate to be achieved.”

ADF expressed disappointment that there was no meaningful consideration in the review of the role of a Mandatory Code of Conduct or the need for a Supermarket Ombudsman “with teeth” to address the issue of potential misuse of market power.

The unequal distribution of market power means that farmers are often backed into a corner when it comes to farm-gate prices, a disadvantage that is heightened due to logistical constraints in supplying perishable goods.

Mr Campbell recognised the proposed changes to collective bargaining as positive and an acknowledgement of ADF’s submission on behalf of dairy farmers.

ADF looks forward to working with both sides of Government to advance the Competition Policy Review’s recommendations, to ensure they translate into tangible outcomes for the dairy industry.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers’ (ADF) has welcomed the announcement of the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes – Food and Grocery) Regulation 2015 – Supermarket Code as a positive first step toward addressing the imbalance of market power between retailers and suppliers.

ADF President, Noel Campbell was pleased to note that many aspects of the draft Mandatory Code of Conduct, which ADF in collaboration with Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation began developing in 2011, have been adopted in the Prescribed Code.

The Prescribed Grocery Code has been developed by the major retailers, Coles and Woolworths, and the Australian Food and Grocery Council.

Recognising the important role the Government has played in securing this outcome, Mr Campbell said the additional protection in this area was most welcome.

“The Prescribed Code of Conduct is not perfect, but it does address several key imbalances with regard to major retailer power over suppliers,” Mr Campbell said.

“We will be watching the implementation of this Code carefully over the next three years, with a view to seek the strengthening of regulations if necessary.”

ADF has long advocated for a Code of Conduct to foster a fairer supply sector going forward, and thanked the Government for working persistently with retailers to achieve the Code.

“It is our expectation that once the Code comes into force all major retailers including Aldi, Coles, Metcash and Woolworths will sign on,” Mr Campbell said.

“We will continue to closely monitor the Codes’ effectiveness over the period to follow.”

ADF continues to work with the Government to strengthen competition policy through submission to the Harper Review of Competition Law and Policy as well as the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper with the hope that this will end unjust practices such as the $1 per litre campaign.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Falling interest rates on loans delivered under two vital Federal Government schemes will improve the long term viability of dairy farmers according to national advocacy body, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF).

Loans delivered under the Farm Finance Concessional Loans Scheme and the Drought Concessional Loans Scheme fell to 4.34 and 3.84 per cent respectively as of 1 February 2015.

ADF President, Noel Campbell said the improved terms of both Federal Government loans would help dairy farmers reduce the cost of farm debt as well as providing cheaper finance for drought recovery on farm.

“This interest rate cut means farmers will be better placed if they want to use these Government loans,” Mr Campbell explained.

“While there are many factors beyond our control when it comes to seasonal conditions and drought, this decrease provides a better option for dairy farmers who are trying to return to full viable production as soon as possible.”

As the national voice of Australian dairy farmers, ADF has continually sought Government support to ensure viable farms have access to practical measures that will improve the industry’s longevity.

The decision by Government to lower interest rates shows confidence in Australian agriculture’s efforts to improve its long term sustainability, providing industry with the support to maintain our efforts.

The dairy industry has committed itself to continuous improvements, with a vision of becoming more prosperous, trusted and world renowned for its products’ nutrition by 2025, the value chain is working together to ensure its long-term sustainability and profitability.

Natalie Collard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has announced she will step down from her role on 10 April 2015, after six outstanding years at the helm.

Ms Collard said she had thrived on the challenges and reaped the rewards of an exciting period for both ADF and for dairy.

“Dairy farmers are proud and passionate people, and to represent them on a national level has been an honour,” Ms Collard said.

Ms Collard said while she valued every moment of her time at ADF, she is now seeking her next career challenge.

ADF President, Noel Campbell paid homage to Ms Collard’s extraordinary leadership, and tireless dedication to Australian dairy, which has elevated the industry’s profile in both the community and Parliament.

“Natalie’s record speaks for itself. She is always striving for new ways to improve the profitability and sustainability of dairy and her proactive, innovative and considered approach has improved the quality and effectiveness of our organisation,” Mr Campbell said.

“She has fought hard for farmers on key issues such as $1 per litre milk and implemented imperative dairy policies, such as the Australian Dairy Vision and the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework.

Most recently, her strong advocacy efforts on the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement contributed to a positive outcome for dairy – one that will improve the long term sustainability of our industry.”

Recognising her outstanding leadership role toward attaining this pro-dairy deal, Ms Collard was awarded an Australian Dairy Farmers’ President’s Commendation in December 2014.

As CEO since 2009, Ms Collard has led ADF through the modernisation of its governance structure – a move that saw 50 per cent income growth leading to a positive change in the balance sheet after many years.

She also played a major role in establishing direct processor funding to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC), a whole-of-value chain policy and advocacy model that is the first of its kind in Australian agriculture.

In 2013 Ms Collard was recognised for her exceptional dedication and success as ADF’s CEO, awarded the Victorian Telstra Business Woman of the Year for service to Community and Government.

A firm believer in inspiring change, Ms Collard has been a strong advocate for youth in agriculture and mentor to young women in dairy, engaging with over 400 students at speaking events in 2014 alone.

Ms Collard thanked ADF, its board, staff, farmer members and industry partners for their support throughout her time at ADF.

“This is an exciting and important time for dairy,” Ms Collard said. “I would recommend anyone seeking to lead a dedicated team of individuals in an extremely worthwhile cause to take up this opportunity – to drive sustainable profitability of dairy farmers across Australia.”

Mr Campbell said that Ms Collard has gained many friends in the industry; all of whom look forward to watching her succeed in future.

The ADF Board will soon commence recruitment for a new CEO. All inquiries should be directed to the ADF Office via (03) 8621 4200.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au