The state's leading livestock theft and farm crime police officer will be a keynote speaker at this year's United Dairyfarmers of Victoria conference, next month.
Victoria Police Head of Practice Livestock Theft and Farm Crime Superintendent Peter Greaney will address this year's conference.
"The risk of activists illegally entering farms, causing business disruption and potentially introducing significant disease is top of mind for farmers across Victoria," UDV President Paul Mumford said.
"We fully support consumers making choices in the foods they eat, and we are proud to provide some of those healthy, safe options, but we do not support people forcing their views on others or raiding farms."
Superintendent Greaney recently announced the state's Agricultural Liaison Officer program would be revamped, following an internal review.
Read more: Steady-as-she goes on AGLOs
Superintendent Greaney, the Operational Support Superintendent for the Western Region, is based in Geelong.
He has worked in crime investigation, intelligence, counter-terrorism and security investigations, training and emergency management.
"We know many of our members are concerned for the safety of their families and their animals, so it is fantastic to have Superintendent Greaney speaking at the conference and informing what we anticipate will be passionate debate about how the agricultural sector should respond to this threat," Mr Mumford said.
We know many of our members are concerned for the safety of their families and their animals, so it is fantastic to have Superintendent Greaney speaking at the conference and informing what we anticipate will be passionate debate about how the agricultural sector should respond to this threat.
- United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president, Paul Mumford
The theme of the 2019 Conference is 'Dairy in a Changing Climate'.
Mr Mumford said the dairy industry was facing a changing regulatory climate, a changing social climate and a changing climatic environment.
The 2019 conference would look to expand the discussion around the challenges facing the dairy industry in a changing world.
The conference will be held on Friday, May 10.