Cafes in the Mornington area are banding together in what they say is a “cowtipping” project, to help provide practical help for Victoria’s embattled dairy farmers.
On Saturday, June 4, five cafes in the area are running what they say is a “dairy love day”, when a dollar from every cup of coffee will be donated to a fund to help embattled farmers.
The Snake Hole café, in an industrial area of Mornington, is also selling limited edition 'Milk cows NOT farmers' T-Shirts.
The project is the brainchild of Commonfolk Coffee, who have teamed with the Snake Hole and local agricultural advocate IndiBlu.
They have also set up a crowdfunding project, under the name MP4Dairy.
Commonfolk owner Sam Keck said 95% of all coffees sold in Victoria were consumed with milk.
“We have initiated this and we have a whole range of cafes on board,” Mr Keck said.
He said, as a coffee roaster, the Mornington based business had enlisted the help of Snake Hole and other cafes it supplied.
“One of the biggest issues is farmers being paid less than the cost of production of their goods,” Mr Keck said.
“We couldn’t sit still, sit on our hands and pretend everything was fine, and keep on drinking coffees or we could take action.”
He said it was logical to support the dairy industry, in the same way as roasters sought sustainable and ethical coffee beans.
“We have always been ethical, on the coffee side of it.”
Mr Keck acknowledged it was a small gesture, but was also aimed at changing thinking on the dairy production system.
“I don’t think anyone one person can change the world, but a group of people can influence things,” he said.
Those who chose to drink black coffee could make a “cowtipping” donation, he said.
He said there was a strong food culture in the Mornington area and on the Peninsula.
“It’s about reminding people this is not free and you don’t just turn on a tap and milk pours out.
“It’s good to remind people, their purchases matter.”
The money would be used for vouchers and would be fully accounted for.
Mr Keck said the money would be held in a CUA (Credit Union Australia Limited). Account, under the MP4Dairy account.
Dairy advocate Cath Jenkins welcomed the initiative, saying the group was one of the first to contact farmers, asking how they could help.
“Every little bit does help – this is a way of connecting consumers, generally, especially through coffee,” Ms Jenkins said.
“Coffee is a bit different from buying branded products, in the supermarkets.
“I just think it is a great idea.”
The crowdfunding site can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/MP4Dairy.
