WEEKS after the ACCC announced it would launch legal action in the Federal Court over last year’s milk crisis, the competition watchdog’s Agriculture Commissioner Mick Keogh will take the stage at the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria annual conference to discuss the investigation.
“We’re pleased to have Mick Keogh on hand to present the findings of the recent investigations and give us an update on the separate inquiry into the whole dairy supply chain, which is vital to moving forward as an industry,” UDV President Adam Jenkins said.
“It’s been a tough twelve months for farmers and it’s time we unite together to repair trust across the supply chain and build a confident dairy industry for the future.”
The UDV will also put forward its draft industry voluntary code of conduct for discussion, which has been in development since last year.
Mr Jenkins said the dairy group would take the opportunity to gauge Mr Keogh’s views on the code.
“The industry is taking a great leap forward in developing a voluntary code and it would be great to hear his feedback to ensure we’re on the right track,” he said.
Sixteen motions will be heard at the UDV Conference ranging on issues from transparency in milk supply agreements to improving energy efficiency and creating awareness for Q fever. Among the resolutions is that the dairy farmer group:
- Call for the milk price paid to farmers by milk processors – including step-ups – reflect the actual market prices including the true value of protein & fat; and
- Call on the State Government to address power issues
Mr Jenkins said he was impressed with the positive response to the conference and continued engagement between UDV members and other dairy industry players.
“UDV has actively been on the ground engaging with our members and dairy communities, and as a result farmers are giving us fantastic feedback on what actions they want us to take,” he said.
The UDV Conference agenda and registration details can be found here.
The 41st UDV Annual Meeting & Conference will be held on Friday May 12, 2017 from 7.30am at the MCG.
-VFF