News

| May 19, 2016

Dairy crisis needs government support

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP says the Labor Government must take action to support Victoria’s dairy industry.

“The Victorian dairy industry is in crisis following the cut to the farm gate milk price by processors,” Ms Kealy said.

“Local dairy farmers are devastated and are gravely concerned about the impact this price cut will have on their livelihoods,” she said.

Ms Kealy said that as price takers, dairy farmers were at the whim of the supermarkets.

“The supermarkets discount milk as a commodity to get customers in the door so they can profit on other value-added products,” Ms Kealy said.

“All dairy farmers deserve the support of the Victorian Government and all dairy farmers need low interest loans, not just those who meet difficult criteria,” she said.

Farmers experiencing financial difficulty may be eligible for the Commonwealth’s Farm Household Allowance payment and can access free and confidential financial counselling by phoning the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria on 1300 735 578.