Call for unity

Calls for unity across the dairy industry were loud and profound during consultation for the Australian Dairy Plan, according to Australian Dairy Farms president Terry Richardson.

At the draft plan’s launch in Longwarry on Friday, industry representatives were united in declaring the plan a win-win for farmers, processors, the research and development sector and wider dairy community.

“The calls for unity were loud and profound and can’t be ignored,” Mr Richardson said.

“It is a very challenging time for the industry. This is the first time the whole industry right through the supply chain has come together.

“There is an importance of having a profitable industry in the regions. The dairy dollar increases many times over and it’s important to regions.

“We aim to shift the attitudes, dialogues and actions across the industry and that shift starts at the top,” he said.

Australian Dairy products Federation president Grant Crothers of Burra Foods said the processing sector was fully committed to the plan.

“There is growing demand for milk in the world and we know Australia can play a role in that. This is a once in a generation opportunity to get a solution,” he said.

Dairy Australia chairman Jeff Odgers said the investment in industry engagement and listening “enabled us to identify common themes and agree on priority issues to help reset the future direction of dairy.”

Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s Bruce Kefford said the collective effort of all stakeholders to put together the draft plan was remarkable.

He said the nationwide consultation had delivered a set of priorities. “This is a new start for the dairy industry.”