DAIRY farmers are being urged to tell their stories of last year’s milk crisis at a series of forums being run next month by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria welcomed the competition watchdog for reaching out to farmers as part of an inquiry into pricing and competitiveness across the dairy supply chain after a dramatic step-down in milk prices last April.
“This inquiry is an important step on the path to reforming the dairy industry so that we can make sure we don’t ever see a repeat of last year’s milk crisis,” UDV President Adam Jenkins said.
“It’s important to understand that these forums are separate to the inquiry being held into the conduct of milk processors and while it’s disappointing we haven’t had an outcome from that investigation, this is still a good opportunity for farmers to speak their minds about the milk crisis.”
The Commission previously declared in a statement that its investigation into the dairy sector would include:
- competition between milk processors;
- contracting practices;
- the availability of price and other market information;
- the effect of private label products, including pricing, on the industry;
- ·options for supply into global markets; and
- the key factors influencing the profitability of dairy farms.
Mr Jenkins said the UDV would contribute to the inquiry and urged others in the dairy industry to work together to solve issues currently affecting the sector.
“It’s vital that we uncover all the inefficiencies and inequities our dairy farmers face, and we agree an in-depth and independent inquiry will achieve a thorough and fair result,” he said
The forums are being run to help the ACCC with its report into the dairy sector, which is due to be handed down in November, while a separate Senate inquiry is also being waged into contractual fairness across the dairy supply chain.