United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Paul Mumford has urged primary producers to read and comment on the Federal Government’s draft mandatory dairy code of conduct.
Public consultations are planned for Warragul, Echuca and Warrnambool.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said a mandatory code would be an industry-defining moment. “Milk levies come and go, but the mandatory code would help balance the market power between dairy farmers and processors and improve farmers’ bargaining power,” Mr Littleproud said.
UDV president Paul Mumford, Won Wron, said it was imperative Victorian dairy farmers assessed the draft code and added their input before it was finalised.
“We, as Victorian dairy farmers, must make sure the document is fit for purpose and we must keep an eye on it, right until its final stage,” Mr Mumford said. “The Victorian industry is a net exporter, and we need a very flexible, pertinent document for our industry, which protects dairy farmers in all areas.”
Dean’s Marsh farmer Leighton Hart also urged fellow producers to read the document and have their say. “Have a look at it, make sure its right, make sure it covers everything we want,” Mr Hart said.
He said it was important the 2016 dairy crisis, in which major processors Murray Goulburn and Fonterra retrospectively cut farmgate milk prices, never happened again.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of the past, that’s the main thing.”
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
