There’s been cautious backing from dairy farmers to the State Government’s plans to increase its industry support package.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said the government would boost its original $4.5 million package to $6.7m, in line with community feedback. Ms Pulford said the focus was firmly on improving support for young families, whilst offering retraining to those who wanted to leave the sector.
United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Adam Jenkins said the package was welcomed. His organisation had been working very closely with the government, to ensure support went were it was most needed. “This is only a small part of a big burden that’s been borne by the industry, through the price drop and the clawback,” Mr Jenkins said. The first support package was offered in May, when processors announced farm gate price cuts. “You can’t have this happening again, in another short period of time – confidence and trust needs to be restored,” he said.
Mead dairy farmer Diane Bowles welcomed the support and said she hoped it would be easy to obtain. “I am very pleased they seem to have a focus on younger families and hope all age brackets of dairy farmers are catered for.” She said there were opportunities for farmers, if they were in a position to take them. The season was looking more positive, while water and grain prices were likely to drop.
Gippsland farmer Bec Casey said while she welcomed the support, she was concerned about eligiblity. “That’s what I am finding is hardest – if you do run a good business, you are not getting anything,” Ms Casey said. She called for more information, about eligibility, to be released. “The financial counselling is good, if you can get onto it.” Fleyas Holstein’s Jessa Fleming, Portland, said she was looking forward to more support, in the future, from the government. "Any package, any attention from the government is a fantastic starting point to this huge issue,” Ms Fleming said.
Ms Pulford said the increased package would include $1.8 million in development Grants and $340,000 for financial counselling. Education, TAFE subsidies and rural kindergarten grants were also key features. The dairy industry has also contributed $5.2 million.