Supported by Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Farmers, Australian Dairy Products Federation and the Gardiner Dairy Foundation, the plan will identify key industry priorities when it’s handed down later this year.
Former Victorian premier John Brumby has been appointed as independent chair of the Australian Dairy Plan ahead of the consultations.
‘‘I recognise that this is a difficult time to be looking to the future, given the extensive dry conditions across Australia and the current lack of profitability for many dairy farmers and dairy manufacturers,’’ Mr Brumby said.
‘‘But this makes it more important than ever to get our focus right on the future and for the industry to unite and work together.
‘‘I’ve seen first-hand the capability of the dairy industry to achieve great things, and despite the cost pressures, there are many positive elements about the outlook for dairy — local consumption is growing in both volume and value, international demand for Australian dairy products continues to grow, commodity prices have stabilised and processing companies have invested in building capacity.’’
Consultation meetings will be held in Cohuna on Monday, June 3; Tatura on Tuesday, June 4; Finley on Wednesday, June 5; and Wodonga on Thursday, June 6. All sessions will run from 10am to 2pm.
■For more information and to register, visit: www.dairyplan.com.au/get-involved
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