UDV Policy Council met on June 16 at Farrer House. Policy Council received reports from a number of key stakeholders, including Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Farmers and South Australian Dairyfarmers Association and dealt with a range of operational issues.
Dairy Australia Manager Policy Strategy Susannah Tymms and Issues Manager Ashlee Gardiner provided an update on emergency animal disease preparedness and the work being undertaken with state and federal governments for dairy processing to continue in the event of an outbreak.
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) President Rick Gladigau and CEO Steve Sheridan reported on ADF policy and advocacy activities in relation to FMD threats, trade barriers, streamlined levy legislation and the ongoing ADF strategic review.
SADA CEO Andrew Curtis discussed the South Australian dairy industry and a number of initiatives that SADA have been undertaking including the South Australian Dairy Action Plan.
Policy Council discussed the use of virtual fencing which is currently banned in Victoria. Members received a briefing from Gallagher on its eShepherd technology.
UDV Policy Council has committed to advocate for the commercial use of virtual fencing with an advocacy strategy being developed. Members also discussed the Coles-Saputo deal that will see Coles potentially purchase two milk processing plants from Saputo.
The council further discussed the Cattle Underpass Scheme and strategies by which to advocate for the scheme to the Victorian Government. A number of local branch resolutions where tabled and discussed by councillors.
Policy Council re-appointed Nathan Shannon to represent District 3 (Murray Valley) for a further term in line with section 8.6.4 of the VFF Constitution.
-VFF