Processors need to deliver more even playing field

MilkVICTORIAN dairy farmers are demanding processors take their share of responsibility for issues plaguing the dairy industry before the federal Government intervenes following the release of the competition watchdog’s final report into the sector.

United Dairyfarmers of Victoria President Adam Jenkins said the farmer group supported recommendations to improve contracting practices between farmers and processors but urged processors to have a stronger presence in delivering a more even playing field for their suppliers.

“This report gives us an opportunity to ensure stronger protective measures for farmers when dealing in contract negotiations,” Mr Jenkins said.

“We have always said that the imbalance of power throughout the dairy supply chain means the farm gate is wearing too much risk.

“Processors need to understand that if they don’t come to the table and act on the recommendations made by the ACCC, the federal Government could intervene and force a mandatory code on industry.”

The report handed down by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission also outlined a process for mandatory code development, which Mr Jenkins said confirmed UDV’s concerns.

“A mandatory code, if agreed to by Government, will take years to develop, draft, and register – and then has to get through each House of Parliament,” he said.

“We know a mandatory code limits flexibility for a market that needs to think on its feet and compliance costs will again ultimately be borne by the farm gate.

“Unless processors can heed warning and seriously address damaging contracting practices long identified by industry, and now by ACCC, we will lose any control of the process and be left with the sticky fingers of Government.”

The final report still did not address the power imbalance between retailers and processors, a move the UDV President called “disappointing”.

“It doesn’t matter whether or not revenue gained from the removal of discount products would return directly to the farm gate; the value would still be captured by the supply chain,” Mr Jenkins said.
“The current industry practice of using milk as a loss leader prevents this,” he said.