Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is thrilled to be confirmed as a recipient of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund, with over $335,000 going towards the national policy and advocacy body.
The announcement from the Federal Government was made following a comprehensive application from ADF submitted earlier this year.
ADF President Terry Richardson welcomed the grant funding as further recognition of the significant importance of the Australian dairy industry.
“We thank the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for initiating the fund and Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston for the announcement, which acknowledges the importance of strengthening and supporting dairy farmer advocates,” Mr Richardson said.
“A strong dairy industry is vital to the ongoing prosperity of regional communities and the Australian economy; and the receipt of this fund is further evidence of that.”
Mr Richardson said the ADF project is aimed at continuing to develop the leadership skills of the organisation’s leaders to enable strong advocacy on behalf of Australian dairy farmers.
“To meet the ongoing challenges and opportunities our industry is facing, we must have strong leadership across the sector, from our dairy communities right through to the ADF Board,” Mr Richardson said.
“This fund will enable us to develop the current cohort of senior dairy leaders and ensure an adequate supply of skilled leaders into the future.
“It will also allow us to give back to our farmer advocates, many of whom volunteer their time for the benefit of the industry. These committed dairy farmers are rarely recognised or supported in the tireless work they perform for this industry.”
Mr Richardson said ADF looks forward to finalising the agreement and delivering a program which will future-proof and modernise the organisation for the benefit of dairy farmers.
Media Contact:
David Inall, Chief Executive Officer
M: 0427 495 266
E: dinall@australiandairyfarmers.com.au