Australian women’s contribution to the dairy industry was a cause for celebration at this morning’s Australian Dairy Industry Council’s (ADIC) Legendairy Women’s Breakfast.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, said Australian dairy would not be the $13 billion farm, manufacturing and export success story it is today, without the contribution of women over the course of its history.

“Today we shine a spotlight on the many talented, passionate and dedicated women working across the dairy industry,” Mr Campbell said.

“From the farm, to the factory, to the family dining table, today’s ADIC breakfast celebrates the major contribution that women have made, and continue to make, to our industry.”

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), CEO, Natalie Collard, said women continue to perform many varied and important tasks across all levels of the industry.

“This is reflected in the fact that 62% of all women working on dairy farms are owner-managers, 25% are employees and a further 13% contributing family members,” Ms Collard said.

“When we also consider the hugely significant role that women play in shaping household budgets and associated purchasing decisions – their significance to the industry from farm gate to supermarket shelf becomes all too clear.”

Scientist and inaugural recipient of the ADIC’s Outstanding Service Award (OSA) in 2010, Dr Anne Astin, described women’s involvement in the industry as an important chapter in the history of Australian agriculture.

“Whether it’s on-farm, in the factory or the complex world of agri-politics, women continue to play a leading, if sometimes unheralded role, within the industry,” Dr Astin said.

“We can and must do more, as an industry and as a community to recognise and celebrate women’s unique and enduring contribution to Australian dairy.”

Mr Campbell thanked the event’s keynote speaker, Carolyn Creswell, founder and Managing Director of Carman’s Fine Foods.

“Carolyn’s success with Carman’s is an inspiration to a generation of young men and women and demonstrates in particular, how it is possible to balance success in business with family life,” he said.

Mr Campbell said in dairying regions and rural and regional Australia more generally, there has been a shift in the workforce, with more women working (46% of the workforce) and more men working part- time.

“This trend reflects the changing face of the modern Australian workforce, and the dairy industry is no exception,” he said.

“Over time, we will likely see more women involved in the industry and it’s important that we continue to focus our efforts in promoting the industry as an attractive career choice into the future.”

Mr Campbell thanked women involved at every level of the industry for their dedication, passion and commitment to Australian dairy.

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has lodged its submission in response to the Federal Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness Issues Paper.

In its submission, the ADIC calls on the Federal Government to focus on the following four priority areas in the short to medium term, if the dairy industry is to realise its full potential:

• Trade(improving market access in new and existing markets and in particular, China);
• Research, Development and Extension (RD&E);
• OverseasLabourAccess;and
• On-farm capital investment.

Australian Dairy is a $13 billion farm, manufacturing and export industry that directly employs 43,000 people on farms and in dairy processing, while more than 100,000 are employed in dairy service sectors.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, said the dairy industry, with the right business environment, has the potential to grow, boosting Australia’s economic growth and creating additional jobs in food production and manufacturing.

“Dairy farmers and the broader industry are constantly investing, adapting and innovating for a profitable, sustainable and productive future,” Mr Campbell said.

“Building on the industry’s efforts, the actions of the Australian Government will be pivotal in securing not only the dairy industry’s future, but Australia’s hard-earned reputation as a supplier of quality and safe dairy products.

“We are committed to working constructively with the Federal Government in advancing these important priorities for the Australian dairy industry.”

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has expressed its extreme disappointment about the proposed Australia – Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) announced by Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, this evening.

Japan is the single most important market for the Australian dairy industry, with $511 million in exports in 2012/131 19% of our dairy exports by value.2

Under the terms of the agreement, the Australian dairy industry will save just $4.7 million in the first year of its implementation rising to an estimated $11.6 million by 2031, out of a total export market of $511 million. [This is just 0.1 of a cent per litre for Australian farmers in 20 years’ time.]

ADIC Deputy Chair, Robert Poole, said the agreement fell well short of the industry’s expectations with minimal progress having been achieved in reducing a range of trade barriers.

“We are extremely disappointed with the deal announced this evening by the Prime Minister,” Mr Poole said.

“We were hopeful Government had heeded the industry’s message in regards to freeing up market access in Japan, however it now appears our words fell upon deaf ears.

“There has been no movement in this agreement on fresh cheese – the number one objective for Australian dairy, with tariffs to remain at 29.8%. A successful outcome on this tariff line would have delivered approximately $60 million in tariff savings – instead we have received nothing and the tariff stays in place.

“This has been an agreement over six years in the making and sadly from the dairy industry’s perspective, will end up providing no meaningful benefit.

“This deal sends all the wrong signals to our key trading partners and is particularly troubling in the context of the upcoming FTA negotiations with China.

“As we seek to grow dairy exports to China we have one opportunity to get a China trade agreement right and it’s time for the Federal Government to recognise the potential in dairy food export growth and prioritise this in trade negotiations.”

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Negotiations for the Australia – Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) must deliver improved market access for Australian dairy products in Japan, according to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC).

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, said a commercially meaningful FTA that reduced tariffs and freed up market access for Australian dairy was absolutely essential if the local industry was to grow in future.

“Japan is too significant and important a market for us not to get the fundamentals right in negotiating an Australia – Japan FTA,” Mr Campbell said.

“We already enjoy the benefits of extensive trade links with Japan. It is the single most important market for the Australian dairy industry, with $511 million in exports in 2012/131 19% of our dairy exports by value.2

“Despite this, we still face a significant range of trade barriers and market distortions, including on products like cheese and butter which face tariffs of up to 35% on some lines.3

“These tariff imposts cost Australian dairy exporters over $116 million in 2011/12 alone.4”

Mr Campbell said a commercially meaningful FTA with Japan would provide a significant boost to Australian dairy, and support the jobs of 43,000 Australians directly employed within the industry.

“In a time of difficulty for Australian manufacturing, it’s important that we focus our efforts on supporting jobs in areas such as food processing and manufacturing,” he said.

Mr Campbell said the dairy industry looked to the Federal Government to provide the leadership needed to secure a better, fairer and more open deal in negotiations for the Australia – Japan FTA.

“The stakes are too high, for Australian dairy farmers and the many men and women who work in the broader industry, not to grasp this opportunity with both hands.”

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has lodged its submission in response to the Federal Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) Green Paper.

In its submission, the ADIC calls for a more flexible and targeted ERF that would assist the dairy industry to achieve its ambitious emissions reduction target of 30% by 2020.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, said compared to other primary producers, Australian dairy is disproportionately exposed to electricity costs due to its high power requirements for milking machinery, cool milk storage and milk processing.

“The ADIC recognises that the ERF, if appropriately designed, will support Australian dairy continuing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reducing production costs linked to emissions,” Mr Campbell said.

“Energy efficiency in particular, is a significant opportunity for the industry and the ERF needs to be designed to support investment in energy saving technologies by farmers and processors.”

Key features called for in the ADIC submission include:

• Sector or activity funding bands, to enable energy-intensive agriculture sectors (farming and processing) to access the ERF;
• Funding for a National Energy Efficiency Scheme along the lines of the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target, to reduce transaction costs for carbon abatement for industries such as dairy with many small to medium enterprises; and
• Calculating emissions per unit of production (emissions intensity) to provide for industry growth while also reducing emissions.

Mr Campbell said the industry recognised that growth to meet rising international demand for dairy products, particularly in Asia, may impact on future emission levels.

“However, the industry’s desire to grow does not alter our determination to play a constructive role in reducing our emissions intensity, now and in future,” he said.

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The next round of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, represent a major opportunity for Australian dairy, according to the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC).

The TPP is a multi-country Free Trade Agreement (FTA) currently under negotiation between Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Vietnam, Mexico and Canada.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, said the 21st round of negotiations, to be held in Singapore this weekend, is of huge interest and importance to the local industry.

“The ADIC views the TPP negotiations as a major opportunity to achieve a high quality agreement that frees up market access and delivers positive commercial outcomes for Australian dairy producers,” Mr Campbell said.

“This is essential if we are to grow our industry by capitalising on rising international demand for dairy products, particularly in Asia.

“The Australian dairy industry already exports almost $3 billion worth of products each year, in spite of a range of trade barriers and distortions, and seeks a level playing field if the industry is to build on this figure in future.”

Of the top ten Australian export destinations in 2012/13, four countries are TPP members:

• Japan($511million);
• Singapore($218million);
• Malaysia($174million);and o NewZealand($157million).

A further three countries are potential members:

• Indonesia($148million)
• Philippines($90million);and o SouthKorea($88million).

Mr Campbell said the potential for growth in Australian dairy exports to TPP member countries, highlighted the scale of the opportunity for the local industry.

“If the industry can achieve export figures like this in spite of significant trade hurdles, then one wonders what could be achieved through a commercially meaningful TPP agreement,” he said.

Mr Campbell said a key focus in the negotiations should be the prohibition of export subsidies including those funded by producers such as Co-operatives Working Together (CWT) in the United States.

“Additionally, we seek genuine reform of non-tariff barriers as a means of facilitating trade between member countries,” he said.

“These should be based around sound science, adherence to international standards and appropriate information sharing and co-operation.”

Mr Campbell said progress on TPP negotiations should not impact upon, or delay efforts to secure commercially meaningful FTAs with Japan and China.

“If realised, these bi-lateral agreements have the potential to be of huge benefit to the dairy industry, and should remain a prime focus for the Federal Government.”

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has welcomed the publication today by the Federal Government of the text of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Korea.

ADIC Chairman, Noel Campbell, said what is needed now is prompt ratification of the agreement by Parliament to kick-start the liberalisation process.

“We welcome today’s release of the text of the FTA with Korea as a further step forward on the path towards trade liberalisation in Asia,” Mr Campbell said.

Relevant highlights in the agreement for dairy include:

• A majority of dairy tariff lines are on a pathway to duty free access over specified time lines; and
• Tariff-free access for specified volumes of cheese, infant formula and butter under Country Specific Quotas (CSQ) from day one of the agreement.

Mr Campbell said to allow tariff cuts to commence the agreement must be signed as soon as possible.

“Korea is a significant dairy market for Australia and currently ranks 10th by value with $88 million worth of exports in 2012/13,” he said.

“In 2011/12 Australian exports to Korea were $116 million.

“Key commercial rivals such as the USA and EU already have FTAs with Korea and Australia’s FTA with Korea is vital to stop continued market erosion.”

Mr Campbell said the ADIC appreciates the Federal Government’s and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) engagement with the dairy industry during the negotiation process.

“We thank them for their efforts and look forward to their involvement in helping secure an improved deal for dairy in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and FTAs with China and Japan, which are vital to the future of our industry,” he said.

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has described today’s announcement by the Federal Government of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Korea, as a step forward on the path towards further trade liberalisation in Asia.

ADIC Chairman, Noel Campbell, said while the industry acknowledged the deal had not delivered all that had been hoped for, it will provide access to a range of new opportunities in an important regional market.

“We welcome today’s announcement of an FTA with Korea as a step forward on the path towards trade liberalisation in Asia,” Mr Campbell said.

“Korea is a significant dairy market for Australia and currently ranks 10th by value with $88 million worth of exports in 2012/13.”

Relevant highlights in the agreement for dairy include:

• A majority of dairy tariff lines are on a pathway to duty free access over specified time lines; and
• Tariff-free access for specified volumes of cheese, infant formula and butter under Country Specific Quotas (CSQ) from day one of the agreement.

Mr Campbell said however that the implementation periods for ‘out of quota’ lines still remain significantly longer than the USA and EU.

“The commercial reality of this is that Australian dairy liberalisation will be five to seven years behind key trade rivals, the USA and EU,” he said.

“To ensure we do not fall further behind our competitors, it is vital that the FTA is implemented as soon as possible to kick-start the liberalisation process.

“There are a number of aspects to this deal that are still unknown. We await further detail, full text and confirmation on implementation schedules before we can fully assess the impact across all dairy lines.”

Mr Campbell said the ADIC appreciates the Federal Government’s engagement with the dairy industry during the negotiation process.

“We thank them for their hard work and look forward to their contribution in helping secure a better deal for dairy in negotiations for the China and Japan FTAs, which are vital to the future of our industry,” he said.

Media Contact:

Karl Liebich, Media and Communications Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: adfcommunications@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Dairy farmers and processors have expressed disappointment at the news that the US Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) body will be doubling the dollar value of the amount that is contributed to its export subsidy program.

“It is disappointing that American milk producers feel the need to subsidise their dairy product exports and will not compete on a level playing field,” said ADIC Chairman Noel Campbell.

From 1 July 2013 US farmers have backed a levy rise from 2 cents to 4 cents per hundredweight, effectively doubling the amount used to subsidise export products. This will make available US$60 million per annum for subsidising exports.

“The CWT subsidies program is targeting key Australian markets in Asia, such as Japan, and under- cutting efficiently-produced Australian product in these markets,” said Mr Campbell.

“Activity of this type only reinforces the need for Australia to sign key Free Trade Agreements such as those being negotiated with Japan, China and Korea to assist in ensuring a more level playing field.

The CWT export subsidies program uses a levy drawn from approximately 70% of total US milk production for the sole purpose of subsidising product entry into export markets including those where Australia has a major presence. The CWT is not aligned with the US government which allows it to side-step existing WTO rules and restrictions on export subsidies.

The ADIC and Dairy Australia are examining legal options in relation to this case and working with industry and government on other avenues.

Media Contact:

ADF Office

T: (03) 8621 4200

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has expressed its dismay at the passing of the Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Bill through Parliament.

The Bill, passed by the Senate last Friday, will place stronger regulations on employers seeking to sponsor skilled migrant workers on Subclass 457 visas.

ADF President Noel Campbell said this disadvantages dairy farmers who have a genuine need to seek overseas workers due to the lack of available local labour.

“At a time when there is a critical shortage of skilled dairy workers, the dairy industry heavily relies on skilled migration to bolster its workforce and help our farmers fill labour shortages,” said Mr Campbell.

“Many dairy employers rely on skilled migrants brought to Australia under 457 visas to fill core on-farm roles.”

“The current application process is complex and laborious, prolonging the length of on-farm vacancies. Instead of addressing farmers concerns and streamlining the application process, the Government’s changes will make an already challenging situation even more complex, placing and even greater workload on farmers and affecting health and wellbeing,” said Mr Campbell.

The ADF is working towards increasing workforce participation in the dairy industry, through its partnerships with organisations and programs focussed on developing skills and workforce.

“The ADF is committed to upskilling the dairy industry’s existing workers and growing our workforce and we call upon both sides of Government to place agricultural education on the National Priority Band for compulsory HECS-HELP repayments, to encourage more students to enrol in agricultural studies,” said Mr Campbell.

“The benefits of initiatives will take time to flow to the workforce, so for the short term, migration programs such as the 457 visa program are vital so farmers can fill labour shortage gaps. Any restrictions on these programs will only make it harder for farmers to find staff.”

Media Contact:

ADF Office

T: (03) 8621 4200

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) welcomes today’s announcement by the Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation that the nutrient profiling on the front of packaging of dairy products will be examined more closely over the coming months.

Under the voluntary labelling system, there will be a star rating out of five on the front of food packaging that is based upon the levels of individual nutrients such as saturated fats, rather than looking at foods as a whole.

ADIC Chairman Noel Campbell said the dairy industry was concerned that without further investigation, the star system could have meant that products such as milk and cheese, which are recommended under Australian Dietary Guidelines, could be seen by consumers as an unhealthy option.

“The Australian Dietary Guidelines acknowledge that adequate intakes of milk, yoghurt and cheese are linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases including heart disease and stroke. This evidence relates to all varieties of milk, cheese and yoghurt including regular, reduced-fat and flavoured varieties.”

“By breaking foods into separate nutrient components, some dairy products may have received fewer stars which would have led to consumer confusion about whether or not they should eat dairy as part of a well balanced diet.”

“The dairy industry welcomes the continued examination of the system and its impact upon this core food group. It is essential that this new labelling system clearly aligns with Australian Dietary Guidelines so consumers can make positive food choices that are based on recommended daily intakes.”

Media Contact:

ADF Office

T: (03) 8621 4200