As the Maui Trade Ministerial meetings concluded without final agreement, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has re-emphasised the importance of achieving a commercially meaningful outcome for all Australian dairy producers with regards to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP).

The ADIC is disappointed that a meaningful agreement has not been reached to date. However, it remains hopeful that in the near future a TPP which is in the best interests of the Australian dairy industry, and importantly the Australian community as a whole, will be completed.

There is a lot of work to be done and key dairy market access outcomes across the TPP remain unresolved.

Major dairy players must recognise the importance of trade liberalisation and honouring previously agreed positions to advancing negotiations in a positive manner.

A commercially meaningful outcome for the TPP would provide benefits to all countries involved, their industries and consumers. Yet in order to achieve positive results across the board all TPP nations must demonstrate a willingness to negotiate in good faith.

The ADIC acknowledged the efforts of the Minister for Trade, the Hon. Andrew Robb, his staff and the team of dedicated negotiators who have worked on its behalf.

The ADIC will continue to promote the interests of Australian dairy as negotiations progress and remains dedicated to working with Government to achieve a comprehensive outcome.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

As Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) nations meet in Maui this week to continue negotiations, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) remains committed to working with the Federal Government to ensure a comprehensive outcome for Australian dairy.

Representatives for Australian dairy including ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell and delegates from Dairy Australia, will join Government representatives in Maui, to advocate for dairy’s interests. Negotiations are at a crucial stage and may even be finalised in this week.

The TPP negotiation involves Australia and 11 other countries representing almost 40% of world GDP*. These countries include important dairy export markets as well as competitor suppliers.

“The TPP offers an historic opportunity to address a whole range of distortions and ensure that consumers throughout the region have access to the safe, high quality products available from Australia,” Mr Campbell said.

“However, for this deal to be commercially meaningful, markets like Japan and Canada must demonstrate that they are prepared to significantly increase their existing dairy market access positions.”

Sustained economic and population growth is driving an increase in dairy demand for the Asia-Pacific, but to take full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, the TPP must be ambitious, comprehensive and commercially meaningful.

“While the are some positive indications of progress being made, vital issues are still to be addressed in Japan to ensure that the Australian dairy industry can improve its competitive positioning in that key market,” Mr Campbell said.

Working with government over many years, the ADIC has continued to promote the interests of the dairy industry in this multilateral deal which includes not only key markets for Australia’s dairy industry but also our key competitors.

The ADIC appreciates the efforts of the Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Andrew Robb in collaboration with his staff to ensure this difficult deal has a commercially meaningful outcome for all involved.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has welcomed positive initiatives provided in the Federal Government’s release of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, which will assist Australian dairy to sustainably grow and prosper.

Welcoming key policy settings delivered in the white paper including the appointment of an Agricultural Commissioner to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to assist in creating a stronger business environment, the ADIC said that now it is time to set the plan in motion.

“We are pleased to see that key points of the ADIC’s recommendations to the Green Paper have been taken on board,” ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said.

“In particular, the provision of $11.4 million over four years toward boosting ACCC engagement with agriculture, including an ACCC Agriculture Commissioner, will aid in fostering a more competitive environment throughout the supply chain.”

Another significant investment for dairy was delivered in the decision to enable farmers to double their Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) to $800,000. Farmers will also be able to use FMDs as a loan offset to reduce interest costs.

“According to ABARES if all FMD holdings are used to offset loans, the benefit to the farm sector in interest savings could amount to $150 million a year,” Mr Campbell said.

The decision to increase Agricultural Counsellors in key overseas markets was also welcomed by the ADIC, as a positive first step toward addressing technical barriers to trade in export markets. The next step according to the ADIC is to ensure that these Counsellors are supported by technical experts embedded within government agencies at home.

“The ADIC has been a strong advocate for increased resources toward overcoming technical barriers to trade in overseas markets and we are pleased to see the Government’s acknowledgement of this issue,” Mr Campbell said.

“The extent to which our industry is able to seize opportunities delivered through recently completed trade agreements will depend upon addressing non-tariff barriers to trade. These Counsellors will improve our competitiveness in international markets greatly.”

The Government’s enhanced commitment to research, development and extension projects with a focus on innovation and risk management was also welcomed by the ADIC. The commitment of $200 million to improve biosecurity surveillance and analysis nationally will also play an essential role in creating a more durable, profitable and competitive dairy industry.

Additionally, the Government’s proposal that water efficiency projects combined with improving existing water infrastructure and developing new infrastructure be implemented. Increased support for these initiatives was a key recommendation in the ADIC’s submission to the Green Paper.

The ADIC is committed to working with Government to see swift implementation of the initiatives delivered in the White Paper, to ensure they translate into real outcomes for the dairy industry.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Continuously improving Australia’s dairy competitiveness and profitability is a key goal for the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) and its newly released Sustainable Farm Profitability Report – a framework for farmers and their advisers to help identify areas for improvement.

Officially launched in Victoria today, the report brings together information and references from real farm data and advisers, to draw conclusions about the range of things that make a difference to farm profitability.

While there is no silver bullet to profitable dairy farming in Australia, the report pinpoints key drivers of successful dairy businesses and highlights long-term strategies within farmers’ control to help focus business management plans.

“Profitability is not all about expansion and size, especially not if expanding means increasing costs to increase output,” ADIC Chair and dairy farmer, Noel Campbell said.

“It is our hope that this report provides farmers with the tactical, strategic management guidance that, when used in conjunction with other resources, will enable them to improve their long term profitability.”

The report recognises that dairy farms are infinitely more successful when farmers are good at managing their business across the board, with a combination of technical and financial skills that achieves balance to allow business to flourish and better mitigate risks.

The report received strong support from State and Federal politicians, with Federal Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP, endorsing the industry-driven initiative.

“With volumes and values of global dairy trade expected to grow, driven by increasing demand, our opportunities in overseas markets will depend on doing what we’ve always done well – but more effectively,” Minister Joyce said.

“Dairy producers looking to build their farming and business management skills and identify opportunities to improve their on-farm business operations will find advice and ideas here.”

Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford also welcomed the move, describing dairy as a “critical industry” while highlighting the need for Government and the dairy industry to work together to ensure farmers are supported to better understand their financial situation and to build financial flexibility to deal with volatility.

“To achieve consistently high results, farmers require a broad range of both farming and business management skills,” Minister Pulford said.

“That’s why the Labor Government is investing in the next generation of young farmers, through initiatives like our Young Farmer Scholarship Program, to ensure our future farmers are set up for success.”

As dairy farmers and industry organisations continue to work on profitability and competitiveness the ADIC looks forward to Government initiatives to support our industry growth and sustainability.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has welcomed the official signing of the China- Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) as a further positive step toward securing improved trade liberalisation with Australia’s largest dairy export market.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said the deal recognises dairy as one of the nation’s export strongholds.

“China is a significant dairy market for Australia and currently ranks first by value with $501 million worth of exports in 2013/14,” Mr Campbell said.

“This agreement allows our industry to further develop its long-term relationship with China to the mutual benefits of both countries. It is a truly free trade deal, with tariffs coming down to zero on key dairy products such as infant nutrition, cheese, milk powder and packaged milk.”

The ChAFTA places Australia on a more level playing field with key commercial rivals who already have a FTA with China, but in order to receive the benefits the deal must be ratified.

“The dairy industry is keen to see the agreement ratified this year to ensure the benefits start to reach both countries’ economies in this calendar year,” Mr Campbell said.

The ADIC thanked the Federal Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their continued efforts and engagement with dairy throughout the trade negotiations process, which was vital to securing a commercially meaningful deal for the industry.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The positive and innovative contribution young people are making to Australian dairy was recognised at the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s (ADIC) Business Breakfast this morning, hosted for the first time in partnership with Prime Super.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said young people across dairy’s whole-of-value-chain are driving a forward thinking, enthusiastic approach to existing practices in the industry that will ensure dairy grows to become more productive, profitable and sustainable in the future.

“Now more than ever the young people in our industry are driving innovation. It is important to recognise as well as foster that talent and skill for the future growth and success of our industry,” Mr Campbell said.

Mr Campbell said there are big opportunities and challenges ahead for dairy, from more open access to key export markets and the growing globalisation of agriculture, to skilled labour shortages and environmental issues.

The ADIC supports the continued development and prosperity of young people in dairy by addressing shortfalls in critical resourcing and funding for services to improve education, safety and wellbeing in the dairying community.

Queensland dairy farmer and former Chair of the Australian Dairy Conference, Paul Roderick was the keynote speaker for the breakfast. Mr Roderick spoke to an audience of over 100 young farmers, processors, dairy service representatives and leaders about the opportunities for young people in dairy to take an active role in shaping the future of the industry.

“Leadership comes in many forms. We don’t need hundreds of CEOs or Presidents, but we do need young people to have the confidence to lead their farm businesses and the farm processing sector forward,” Mr Roderick said.

A panel of young dairy talent followed Mr Roderick’s presentation, shedding light on the multiple pathways into dairy and to discuss their personal contributions to the Australian Dairy Industry’s Vision of becoming more prosperous, trusted and world renowned for nutrition than ever before.

Prime Super, as the leading Australian industry super fund with a 20-year history of servicing the farming sector, gave an update on the financial support available to young people in the industry.

“We are driven to investing in the infrastructure needs of the dairy industry,” Mr Baird said.

“With our industry partners, especially Dairy Australia, the ADIC seeks to connect with and support young people across Australian dairy looking to establish a successful career in dairy or transition into a new field within the industry,” Mr Campbell said.

“Through initiatives such as today’s event, we to hope to encourage and inspire the next generation of dairy and help them to understand what opportunities are open to them.”

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The national dairy organisations of Australia, New Zealand and the United States have published a joint appeal highlighting the need for improved dairy outcomes under the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.

“The TPP offers an historic opportunity to address a whole range of distortions and ensure that consumers throughout the region have access to the safe, high quality products available from our three countries,” Australian Dairy Industry Council Chair, Noel Campbell said.

“However, for this deal to be commercially meaningful, markets like Canada and Japan must demonstrate that they are prepared to significantly increase their existing dairy market access positions.”

Sustained economic and population growth is driving an increase in dairy demand for the Asia- Pacific, but to take full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, TPP must be ambitious, comprehensive and commercially meaningful.

“While the are some positive indications of progress being made, vital issues are still to be addressed in Japan to ensure that the Australian dairy industry can improve its competitive positioning in that key market,” Mr Campbell said.

Focused dairy market access negotiations with Canada are also of particular concern.

“It is imperative that Canada provide significantly increased market openings for all dairy products if it is to remain a participant in the treaty,” Mr Campbell said.

While traditional tariff barriers remain widespread for dairy products, trade is also restricted by more subtle trade distorting non-tariff measures such as the European Union’s aggressive stance on Geographical Indications, as demonstrated in their trade agreement with Canada.

The Australian, New Zealand and U.S. dairy industries all expect that the TPP will also address these non-tariff barriers, especially in the Japanese and Canadian markets where these restrictions are most pervasive.

“Our respective industries each have additional criteria by which we will judge the final TPP outcome, but the points detailed above are commonly shared as key priorities across the region’s largest dairy trading countries,” Mr Campbell said.

The U.S., New Zealand, and Australian dairy industry associations are committed to a transformative outcome that provides opportunity for our farmers and processors, and look forward to working with all participants of the TPP to reach a successful conclusion.

Media Contact:

Emily Martyn, ADF Communications Officer

T: (03) 8621 4200

E: communications@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Mark Pearce, Dairy Australia Media Manager

T: (03) 9694 3809

E: mpearce@dairyaustralia.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that it will introduce legislation to cap water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) at 1500 gigalitres (GL).

The 1500GL cap provides dairy farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin with much-needed certainty about future water availability to sustain their business.

At the same time, environmental water can continue to be recovered through water-saving infrastructure projects.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said the Government’s announcement gives farmers and processors in the Basin, where more than 25 per cent of Australia’s milk is produced, the confidence to continue dairying.

“Almost 2000 dairy farms and 16 major milk processing factories are located in the Basin, with more than 12,000 people in the region whom rely on the industry for their livelihood,” Mr Campbell said.

“With 97 per cent of those farms relying on irrigation for pasture and feed production, capping buybacks at 1500 GL gives farmers assurance that they will be able to continue adapting their practices to produce more milk with less water.”

Dairy farmers in the Basin have proved flexible and responsible users of water in the past, steadily adapting their practices over the last 20 years to meet their limited access to water. At the same time, they have actively participated in programs to return more water to the environment and increase water infrastructure efficiency on and off-farm.

Mr Campbell said a clear plan is now required to legislate the cap, confirm the extended period for buybacks, and the delivery of 600GL in infrastructure works and 650GL in environmental works.

“This is the triple-bottom line approach we have sought from the beginning, and we urge all parties to support this outcome.”

The Australian dairy industry launched new breeding tools to support the National Breeding Objective (NBO) at the ADIC Industry Leaders Breakfast in Melbourne on 28 November 2014.

Developed by the NBO Task Force and driven by the Australian Dairy Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) after an extensive consultation process with dairy farmers from across all dairying regions, the NBO aims to deliver profitable herds that the Australian dairy industry needs for the future.

Genetic gains deliver 30 per cent of productivity improvements on Australian farms, with the estimated gap between actual and potential genetic gains worth $25 million per year in extra farmer profitsi.

Offering a practical breeding index, which includes the breeding traits farmers want to improve in their herds, the NBO is designed to close this gap, and increase net farm profit via genetic gain.

General Manager of ADHIS, Daniel Abernethy said the three indices; a Balanced Performance Index, a Type Weighted Index and a Health Weighted Index were designed to align with farmers’ different breeding priorities.

“The Balanced Performance Index achieves the NBO for farm profit and will align to the breeding priorities of most Australian dairy farmers,” Mr Abernethy said.

“Two additional breeding indices have been developed to meet the needs of those farmers whose breeding philosophies focus on type or health.”

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said the level of farmer and industry involvement in developing the Breeding Objective is a testament to the entire supply chain’s commitment to securing a more profitable future for dairy.

“The direct input of farmers, processors and research and development bodies through participation in farmwalks, surveys and forums has directly impacted the outcome of the NBO,” Mr Campbell explained.

“Investment in innovative genetics strategies such as the NBO and research outcomes from the Dairy Futures CRC will help our farmers to breed the type of cow they want to milk, faster, which will improve the productivity and profitability of our herds.”

While existing programs like the Australian Breeding Values express a bull or cow’s genetic potential for a single trait such as fertility or protein kilograms, most farmers want to improve more than one trait in their herd.

The new index will be used to rank bulls, cows and herds for breeding programs.

ADHIS is an initiative of Australian Dairy Farmers’, that receives the majority of its funding from Dairy Australia through the Dairy Services Levy.

A summary of the National Breeding Objective is available via the ADHIS website.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has welcomed the confirmation that the Korea Australia free trade agreement (KAFTA) will enter into force on 12 December 2014, as a positive step toward improved trade liberalisation with Asia.

Once entry into force occurs, Australian dairy exporters will experience the first year of tariff reductions for dairy exports to Korea as agreed under the KAFTA agreement. This will be followed by a further reduction in tariffs on the 1 January 2015.

“Korea is a significant dairy market for Australia and currently ranks 12th by value with $92 million worth of exports in 2013/14,” ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said.

“The Korea FTA places Australia on a more level playing field with key commercial rivals such as the EU and USA who already have FTAs with Korea.”

The ADIC thanked the Federal Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their efforts and continued engagement with dairy throughout the trade negotiations process.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

Over 230 of Australia’s leading dairy representatives from across the whole value chain, gathered in Melbourne this morning for the annual Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Industry Leaders Breakfast.

Centred on the theme of ‘sustainable farm profitability and innovation’, the Breakfast provided the opportunity for members of the industry to discuss the innovative use of genomics to grow and strengthen dairy going forward.

Irish dairy farmer and genetics innovator, Patrick Kelly was the keynote speaker at the Breakfast, sharing his insights into how herd improvement strategies have helped Irish dairy farming to flourish.

“Genetic gain is a crucial component of farm profitability and provides excellent returns on investment,” Mr Kelly said.

“Ultimately, profitable dairy farmers underpin a profitable dairy industry.”

The Breakfast also marked the official launch of two key industry initiatives that will contribute considerably to the future prosperity of dairy; the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme’s National Breeding Objective and the Dairy Industry’s Model Share Farming Code of Practice.

ADIC Chairman, Noel Campbell highlighted that it is projects such as these that strategies and projects would help the industry achieve improved prosperity in the long term.

“While many factors that impact dairy farm profitability are beyond our control, there are some sound principles we can apply and achieve for sustainable and profitable farms,” Mr Campbell said.

“By taking proactive measures to minimise our industry’s environmental footprint, ensure the wellbeing of our people and animals, and maximise our returns we can ensure the enhance our livelihoods and secure a prosperous future for dairy.”

The ADIC Industry Leaders Breakfast is an opportunity for key leaders of the dairy industry to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the whole supply chain, and celebrates the industry’s contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of Australia.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has today honoured Kiewa Valley dairy farmers, farming couple Lindsay and Ann Jarvis, with the ADIC’s Outstanding Service Award. The award was presented at this morning’s Dairy Industry Leaders Breakfast held in Melbourne, Victoria.

Celebrating the Jarvis’s ongoing contribution to the industry, this esteemed award recognises the tireless efforts of both individuals, and their ongoing commitment to improving the industry’s sustainability.

Lindsay Jarvis has dedicated his dairying career to the management of natural resources, actively advocates the use of sustainable on farm practices. Lindsay also spent 31 years as a Director at Murray Goulburn. Ann Jarvis has devoted her time to educating, training and supporting the people of agriculture, particularly women and young farmers.

ADIC Chairman, Noel Campbell commended the achievements of the dairying duo who have been engaged with dairy for over 47 years.

“We are fortunate in the dairy industry to have many men and women with outstanding talent and ability,” Mr Campbell said.

“This year Lindsay and Ann Jarvis were unanimously selected by the ADIC Board, for their active participation and promotion of sustainable farm practices in dairy.”

Actively involved in farming organisations such as United Dairyfarmers of Victoria since they first began dairying, the Jarvis’ have consistently volunteered their time, sharing their wealth of knowledge with the farming community.

Describing their partnership as “one part dreamer, one part doer”, Lindsay and Ann practice what they preach, transforming their 280 hectare farm from dry-land irrigation into a contour flood irrigation system, and taking the time to teach young farmers how to make their businesses more sustainable.

“Lindsay and Ann are committed to the ongoing improvement of our industry and are exceedingly generous with their time.”

“Their reputation as passionate advocates for dairy is well earned.”

With a strong dedication to community involvement, the Jarvis’s are also involved in volunteer activities beyond dairy. Lindsay has been a member of the local Country Fire Authority for over 50 years, while Ann donates her time to mentoring students of agriculture, and developing programs such as UDV Professional Dairy-farmer Project.

On behalf of the entire dairy supply chain, the ADIC congratulated Lindsay and Ann Jarvis on their remarkable achievements, and wished them every success going forward.

Media Contact:

Shona McPherson, Media Officer

M: 0447 161 919

E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au