DAIRY farmers are being encouraged to stand up and be heard at a series of round table discussions to be held across Victoria in December.
The meetings, being convened by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, will discuss farmer concerns around the delivery of federally funded assistance measures like the Farm Household allowances (FHA) for dairy farmers in the wake of the milk crisis early this year.
“Hundreds of dairy farming families have benefited from access to the FHA over the past few months but for many others the process has been confusing and frustrating,” United Dairyfarmers of Victoria President Adam Jenkins said.
“We are keen to work any administrative wrinkles out of the application and assessment process but to do that we need the direct feedback from farmers who had contact with this process this year.
“So we are encouraging dairy farmers to take the opportunity to come to these meetings and share their views on the rollout of the Government’s package.
“This is a chance for farmers to give feedback on the package, including any delays they’re facing in accessing emergency financial assistance, and let the Department know what is important to you.”
Mr Jenkins said the UDV was also continuing to support its members by raising the issues they have identified with the key decision makers.
“Our priority is to ensure that farmers get the support they need through any means necessary, which is why it’s also vital that if they have concerns about the assistance measures, they get along to one of these meetings.”
The roundtables will be held in the following communities, commencing 10.30 am:
• North-East Victoria: Tangambalanga – Monday 12 December
• Goulburn Valley: Congupna – Tuesday 13 December
• Gippsland: Morwell – Thursday 15 December
• South-west Victoria: Camperdown – Friday 16 December