Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed comments by State Agriculture Minister, Peter Walsh, in the wake of the Victorian Government’s recent trade mission to China.

ADF President, Noel Campbell, said the Minister’s recent remarks that ‘there was a lot of interest around dairy, particularly around formula” (Weekly Times 30/10/2013 p.12) highlighted the potential for growth in dairy exports to China.

“From a dairy industry perspective, we were very pleased to see Minister Walsh’s remarks following the State Government’s recent trade mission to China,” Mr Campbell said.

“We know that China’s rapidly growing and increasingly affluent middle-class is generating substantial demand for dairy products, including infant formula.

“The Minister’s comments are yet more evidence, if any was needed, of the enormous potential for growth in dairy exports to the world’s largest market-place.

“The challenge for government as well as the industry is to translate this positivity into concrete action and secure a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that delivers value to suppliers as soon as possible.

“Every added delay hands a further competitive advantage to trade rivals like New Zealand, who after securing an FTA with China in 2008, have seen a six-fold increase in the total volume (tonnes) of their dairy exports.

“If New Zealand can secure an outcome that delivers a massive exports-driven boost to their bottom line, then there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.”

Mr Campbell said ADF would continue to strongly press the Federal Government to fast-track negotiations for FTAs with China, Japan and Korea.

“We will continue to be a firm but constructive advocate to government on this issue critical to the future of our industry.”

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media and Communications Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: adfcommunications@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) today congratulated CEO, Ms Natalie Collard, on winning the Community and Government Award category of the 2013 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards, held last night.

The awards, presented at a Gala Dinner at Crown Palladium, recognise women that are agenda-setters, leaders in their fields and an inspiration to other women, celebrating the valuable contribution women make to Australia business.

Ms Collard said she was honoured as well as humbled to receive the award.
“It’s an honour and very humbling to be recognised by your peers in this way,” Ms Collard said.

“To receive this award in the company of so many other wonderfully talented and successful women is an experience that will live with me for a long time.

“This award celebrates the most humble and silent achievers I’ve ever met – Australia’s dairy farmers.

They are dedicated family men and women, active in their communities who, in the course of being dairy farmers, are also employers, environmentalists and veterinarians.

“They also create an amazing product which is in 90% of Aussie homes and helps support a range of Aussie jobs. They are world class by any measure.

“Finally, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my parents, family, friends and colleagues for their love, support, wise counsel and friendship over the course of my career so far.”

President of ADF, Noel Campbell, said he was delighted Ms Collard had been recognised for her work in the public and not-for-profit sectors.

“On behalf of everyone at ADF, I am thrilled to learn of Natalie’s success in winning this award,” Mr Campbell said.

“She has been an outstanding CEO and I know she will continue to advocate on behalf of the dairy industry with skill, passion and perseverance.

“As President of ADF, it has been a pleasure for me to work closely with Natalie in advocating for the industry, and I look forward to this relationship continuing in future.

“To Natalie, on behalf of the Board, we say a heartfelt thank-you and congratulations for all that you have, and will continue to achieve.”

The ADF team said they were thrilled by Natalie’s success in winning the Community and Government Award.

“We couldn’t be happier for Natalie, she is an inspirational leader as well as a good friend and deserves this prestigious award,” the ADF team said.

State/territory winners are eligible to win their national category title. The state/territory winners of the Telstra Business Woman of the Year are also eligible to be named 2014 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year.

Media Contact:

ADF Communications

T: (03) 8621 4200

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the Federal Government’s confirmation that it will cap Murray Darling Basin buybacks at 1500 gigalitres (GL).

The cap, which is a Coalition pre-election commitment, was confirmed by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Senator Simon Birmingham, in an interview with The Australian newspaper.

President of ADF, Noel Campbell, welcomed the news and said it would be reassuring for farmers and farming communities across the Murray Darling Basin.

“ADF welcomes the government’s confirmation that it will implement its pre-election commitment to cap buybacks at 1500GL,” Mr Campbell said.

“We have said consistently that buybacks are only a small part of the solution, and that there needed to be a greater focus on upgrading inefficient irrigation infrastructure.

“By focusing on upgrading infrastructure, we can return more water to the Murray Darling system without burdening irrigators at the same time.

“A report commissioned by Dairy Australia (DA) “Cost Benefit Analysis of Farm Irrigation Modernisation”, which was released earlier this year, found that farm upgrades cost the Government around $3,700 a megalitre (ML) of water savings for the environment, while delivering gross productivity gains to farmers worth an average $9,800/ML of water savings.

“Building on this, increased farm production generated additional regional economic activity worth $6,200/ML.”

Mr Campbell said ADF was pleased the Federal Government had committed to phasing in the buybacks over six years, rather than the original plan of four, and that spending under the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) will be focused on infrastructure projects that deliver improvements in water efficiency.

“These are common sense steps by the government that will reassure farmers and stakeholders that the MDBP will be implemented in a manner that is both mindful of, and sensitive to, the needs of agricultural industry,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the government and relevant stakeholders in achieving the best possible outcome for the Basin.”

Media Contact:

ADF Communications

T: (03) 8621 4200

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the Abbott Government’s new Cabinet line-up.

The new Ministry, to be sworn in today, includes the Deputy Leader of the National Party, Barnaby Joyce MP, as Agriculture Minister and the Honourable Andrew Robb AO MP as the Minister for Trade and Investment.

“The ADF welcomes the announcement of the Abbott Government’s new Cabinet line-up, in particular the appointment of Barnaby Joyce and Andrew Robb to the Agriculture and Trade and Investment portfolios respectively,” said Noel Campbell, President of Australian Dairy Farmers.

“Barnaby Joyce is well known for his advocacy of farmers and agricultural communities in general, and the ADF looks forward to working with him in his new role.

“There are opportunities as well as challenges facing the dairy industry, and we look forward to sitting down at the earliest available opportunity to discuss these with new Ministers.

“These include ‘fast-tracking’ Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with China, Japan and South Korea, balancing the excessive market power of the major supermarkets, and reducing the red tape burden on farmers.

Mr Campbell said the ADF also welcomed the Government’s decision to split the Trade and Foreign Affairs portfolios.

“This has been an important issue for the ADF and its members, and it’s pleasing to see the Abbott Government listen and act upon the feedback it has received,” Mr Campbell said.

“Splitting Trade and Investment from Foreign Affairs will help ‘fast-track’ the development of FTAs with China, Japan and South Korean and the ADF welcomes this common sense step.

“With the demand for dairy products across Asia continuing to rise, the pursuit of FTAs with these countries is simply too important an opportunity to be missed.

“We look forward to working closely with Minister Robb in achieving real progress towards this outcome.”

Media Contact:

ADF Communications

T: (03) 8621 4200

The 2013 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards has announced Australian Dairy Farmers CEO, Ms Natalie Collard, as a finalist in its Community and Government Award category.

The awards recognise women that are agenda-setters, leaders in their fields and an inspiration to other women, celebrating the valuable contribution women make to Australia business.

“I am humbled to be nominated for this prestigious award,” Ms Collard said.

“It’s an honour and a compliment to the culture and working environment of an organisation like Australian Dairy Farmers that I have been recognised in this way.”

President of Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), Noel Campbell, said the nomination was deserved recognition of Ms Collard’s work in the public and not-for-profit sectors.

As President of the ADF, I am delighted to learn of Natalie’s nomination for this year’s Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards,” Mr Campbell said.

“Natalie is no stranger to roles of high impact and national importance.

“As an official with the Defence Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, she managed an emergency post-September 11 arms control meeting in Paris.

“She has also addressed the United Nations (UN) in Geneva on the topic of Biological Weapons.

“Moved by the plight of drought affected farmers, in 2000 Natalie became the Manager of Rural Affairs for the National Farmers Federation (NFF).

“Formerly a Director of Agsafe and now CEO of ADF, Natalie has demonstrated an abiding commitment to farming communities across Australia.

“In particular, she continues to apply her considerable skills to help secure a sustainable future for dairy farmers.

“Natalie is a worthy nominee for the Community and Government Award, and on behalf of the ADF I wish her every success in this endeavour.”

The 2013 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner at Crown Palladium on Tuesday 15 October 2013.

Media Contact:

ADF Communications

T: (03) 8621 4200

Australian Dairy Farmers congratulates the Federal Coalition on its election to Government.

Australian dairy farmers are calling on all political parties to see agriculture as the new economic powerhouse for the nation.

The dairy industry is highly valuable to Australia, contributing over $13 billion to Australia’s economy and employing over 140,000 people on farms, processing plants, and wider industry support services. And dairy is just one of the many agricultural sectors that have been key contributors to the Australian economy for many years.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President Noel Campbell is calling on all parties to place dairy firmly on the national agenda.

“The Australian dairy industry is constantly investing, adapting and innovating for a sustainable future. We are proud of our industry and confident in its future.”

“Given that all sides of politics seem to be looking for the next big thing that will lead to economic certainty and boost prosperity it seems only logical that dairy takes-up this baton.”

“Australian dairy is one of the few agricultural sectors that fully integrate from the farmgate to manufacturing to produce to a wide range of high quality, value-added products which we sell in the Australian market and throughout the world,” said Mr Campbell.

“This Federal election, we call upon all parties to announce, and then deliver, policies that will help our industry to grow and prosper and achieve our goal of helping Australia become a world leader in innovation, sustainability and food production,” said Mr Campbell.

Key policy priorities for the next federal government should be:

• Markets and trade: Establish a mandatory Supermarket Code of Conduct and appoint an Ombudsman with teeth to ensure compliance; modify the ACCC Collective Bargaining to provide balance in market power to dairy farmers; sign Free Trade Agreements with key markets China, Japan and South Korea.
• People and workforce: Help farmers staff their properties and extend the duration of 417 and 462 visas from six to 12 months as well include dairy on the list of eligible industries for the Seasonal Worker Scheme and on Schedule 1 of the Skilled Occupation List. Encourage people into careers in agriculture by including related courses under the National Priority Band for compulsory HECS-HELP repayments.
• Sustainability: Commit funding for grants to assist dairy farmers in undertaking energy efficiency assessments, and to transition to renewable energy technology and energy efficient equipment on farms under an Energy Efficiency Package; level the international playing field and accord dairy processors Emissions-Intensive, Trade-Exposed (EITE) status until all major dairy competitors are subject to similar emissions schemes.

Media Contact:

ADF Communications

T: (03) 8621 4200

Government and farmer-funded upgrades to irrigation systems are reaping multiple benefits with production gains, reduced water use and increased regional economic activity, according to new research released today.

Launched in Rochester, Northern Victoria, the Dairy Australia commissioned report “Cost Benefit Analysis of Farm Irrigation Modernisation” undertook case studies of 10 properties within the Murray Darling Basin in northern Victoria and southern NSW. It found that that the farm upgrades delivered the environmental, social and economic outcomes that regional communities expect from the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP).

ADF Natural Resources Policy Group Chair Daryl Hoey welcomed the report saying it confirms what the industry has been arguing for years – that substantial water savings can be achieved and that water buy-backs are just one small part of the solution.

“This report found that farm upgrades cost the Government around $3,700 a megalitre (ML) of water savings for the environment and at the same time delivered gross productivity gains to farmers worth an average $9,800/ML of water savings. In turn, increased farm production generates additional regional economic activity worth $6,200/ML.”

“While buybacks may cost less, at around $2,000 a megalitre, they are also associated with reduced regional farm productivity. This in turn reduces regional economic activity by around $4,300 for every megalitre purchased by the Government,” said Mr Hoey.

The case studies covered a mix of farm sizes and irrigation systems, and included self-funded farm works as well as participants in the Federal Government’s On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program.

The report shows that by working to upgrade farms, substantial economic benefits can the achieved both for the farmer and the broader community.

“By comparing a range of farms, this report shows once and for all that there are real and long- lasting benefits for local farmers and regional economies from upgrades to irrigation systems,” said Mr Hoey.

“It also shows that for the ongoing benefits of the MDBP to continue to flow to regional Australia, continued Government support for water upgrades is vital,” he said.

“The industry urges all parties to back regional Australia by capping water buybacks at 1500GL and recover water for the environment through infrastructure savings instead,” said Mr Hoey.

Media Contact:

Daryl Hoey, Natural Resources Policy Advisory Group Chair

M: 0407 582 982

ADF welcomed today’s announcement by Murray Goulburn Co-operative of a ten year private label daily milk partnership with Coles, the relaunch of Devondale branded fresh milk and the investment of $120 million in two “state-of-the-art” milk processing plants in Melbourne and Sydney.

ADF President Noel Campbell said today, “The most important thing here is the reassurance by Murray Goulburn that the farmers supplying these contracts will see an increased farm gate return from July 2014.

The Australian dairy industry has long been calling for an investment by processors in the fresh milk market. The creation of two new milk processing plants is a positive sign of innovation and long term commitment, both vitally important factors in driving farmer confidence to invest on- farm.

ADF welcomes the duration of Coles’ commitment with Murray Goulburn, recognising that long term contracts at the retail level in turn give milk processors the option to provide longer term contracts to dairy farmers. As always ADF encourages all Australians to buy branded milk to best support Australian farmers.

“We will continue to monitor farm gate returns for farmers supplying fresh milk contracts. It is sincerely hoped that this arrangement, and others like these, flow through as expected to farmers’ bottom line”.

Media Contact:

Nick Green, Communications Manager

T: (03) 8621 4200

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) today welcomed the National Farmers Federation’s (NFF) calls for the Australian Government to introduce a mandatory code of conduct for the super market industry aimed at preventing misuse of market power.

Mr Noel Campbell, President of ADF, joined NFF calls to Government to urgently commence a process to finalise a mandatory code for the major retailers.

“For two years, we have openly supported the NFF in their efforts to push for a mandatory code. What we’re ultimately after is a regulatory framework that balances out the excessive market power of the supermarkets,” said Mr Campbell.

Like the NFF, we are also calling for an Ombudsman and penalties to apply when supermarkets breach the code. What we need is a code with teeth.”

Media Contact:

Nick Green, Communications Manager

T: (03) 8621 4200

The Australian Dairy Farmers’ Board and National Council today elected a new Chairman, Mr Noel Campbell. The outgoing Chairman Mr Chris Griffin announced earlier this month that he was not seeking re-election after a year in the role.

Mr Campbell is a dairy farmer from Yannathan in south east Victoria and has been a Director of Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) since 2007. He is the current Chair of the ADF Markets, Trade & Value Chain Policy Advisory Group (PAG). Noel has a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering and is a Fellow Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The Board, along with the National Council and CEO commended Chris Griffin on his significant contribution to the Australian dairy industry over many years and in various roles including his year as Australian Dairy Farmers President and Chair. Mr Griffin will remain as a Director of ADF.

Immediately following his election to the Chair, Mr Campbell told the Australian Dairy Farmers Board and National Council “My aim is to focus on the outcomes that we and all dairy farmers need. A key role of Australian Dairy Farmers is to advocate for the removal of barriers to profitable and sustainable dairy farm businesses and that all dairy farmers are treated respectfully.

ADF, the State Dairy Farmer Organisations, Dairy Australia and the Regional Development Programs need to work closely together, understand each other’s role in the industry and work collaboratively for the best results. Those who know me will be aware that I always push for industry co-operation as I believe this will produce better outcomes for everyone.”

Earlier today, Australian Dairy Farmers Limited has their first Annual General Meeting under the new constitution that was voted in by members in August this year.

State Members, Business Members and invited guests heard from Chris Griffin, outgoing President and Natalie Collard, CEO about the year in review.

Mr Roger Swain was re-elected as a Business Director for a further three years. The appointment of Dr Anne Astin as Independent Director in August 2012, was also ratified.

The Australian Dairy Farmers Board comprises Mr Noel Campbell, Mr Peter Evans, Mr Chris Griffin, Mr Roger Swain and Dr Anne Astin.

Media Contact:

Noel Campbell, President

M: 0417 381 108

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is calling on the Federal Government to stand by its own evidence when it comes to setting dietary advice about dairy foods.

For the first time in almost 10 years the Dietary Guidelines for Australians are under revision to recognise changes to nutrition science and to ensure they reflect the latest knowledge on nutrition and health.

However, ADF has expressed concern that the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) dietary guidelines working committee’s proposed advice on dairy foods is at odds with current evidence, and could be potentially detrimental to Australian’s health outcomes.

The NHMRC proposes recommending Australians consume milk, yogurt and cheese that is ‘mostly reduced-fat’ and that overall consumption of regular-fat dairy foods should be halved.

Chris Griffin, president of ADF said there was no compelling reason to avoid regular-fat dairy foods. “The trouble with the reduced-fat message is that it is not evidenced-based, and it puts people off regular-fat dairy foods, the type that most Australians prefer.”

“Some people, particularly men, reduce their overall dairy food intake when advised to eat reduced-fat dairy foods.” (See charts below)

“The NHMRC’s own evidence statements do not support a recommendation to encourage mostly reduced-fat dairy,” he said. “The NHMRC is ignoring the evidence from tens of thousands of people in scientific studies in favour of theoretical modelling.”

In 2011 the dietary guidelines working committee released a review of evidence which showed consumption of all types of milk, yogurt and cheese was linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type-2 diabetes and colorectal cancer, and improved bone mineral density. Neither regular-fat nor reduced-fat dairy foods were linked with weight gain or obesity.

More recent evidence summaries have shown there is evidence high-fat dairy foods have a protective role against weight gain – with no difference whether people consume regular-fat or reduced-fat dairy foods to their risk of heart disease.

“The evidence is clear – it is more important Australians get the health benefits of eating enough dairy foods, rather than getting inappropriately hung-up on the fat content,” Mr Griffin said.

“Research shows seven out of 10 females and six out of 10 males aged 12 years and over fail to get their minimum recommended daily intake and therefore miss out on the health benefits of dairy products.

“Inadequate dairy consumption in Australia has recently been estimated to cost the healthcare system $2 billion per year – an amount comparable to the entire public health budget.