THE United Dairyfarmers of Victoria has welcomed the State Government’s delivery of a $6.7 million support package to ease some of the burden caused by the current milk price crisis.
“We respect the fact that the State Government has stepped up to the mark and offered dairy farmers and their communities direct support when it’s most needed,” UDV President Adam Jenkins said.
“But the UDV also acknowledges there’s still a lot of work needed to restore confidence in the dairy industry and our communities.”
The package includes:
• 1.8 million in Dairy Development Grants to assist farmers with their on-farm business (up to $5000 on-farm infrastructure grant)
• $340,000 for Rural Financial Counselling Services
• $1.4 million for dairy farming families to receive 15 hours of free kindergarten in the year before school
• $1.5 million for camps, sports and excursions so no child misses out
• $750,000 for “Rural Skills Connect” employment program for farmers – RDV will deliver this program which offers farmers to identify transferrable skills and training to help them find off-farm work
• $600,000 for targeted dairy technical support – Ag Vic Extension support
• $320,000 to extend Rural Financial Counselling services to small businesses
• Support for retraining through the TAFE system
Mr Jenkins said the UDV had played a key role in getting the package across the line and praised Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford for consulting farmers and other industry stakeholders to identify key areas of support.
“Ultimately this is not only about supporting dairy farmers, but also our local communities, who are feeling the flow-on effects of the plunge in milk prices this season,” he said.
“There’s still a lot of work to do and UDV will continue its role of listening to dairy farmers, lobbying for state and federal support and seeking industry reforms that ensure we don’t see a repeat of milk price claw-backs that have crippled many farmers.”
Dairy farmers experiencing difficulties can check available support options at by calling 136 186 or going online to: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dairysupport
