SOUTH East dairy industry leader and South Australian Dairyfarmers Association president John Hunt has praised the recently announced Australian Dairy Plan which aims to help farmers shape the future of the embattled sector.
Mr Hunt said the nationwide consultation gives a voice to those in the industry who know it best.
After recently completing a South Australia survey on industry strengths, Mr Hunt said the Australia-wide plan would not only highlight strengths, but also reveal areas that need to be updated or improved.
“Our SA consult went really well and helped us recognise what we’re doing right in the industry here,” he said.
“But I think this one will go a little differently and hopefully give everyone a platform to say what they would like to see improved.
“It’s basically like giving them a blank piece of paper and asking ‘if you could do anything for the industry, what would it be?’.
“I think a lot of the focus will be post-gate, so marketing, levies, things like that which are really important.”
As part of the industry-wide consultation, farmers, processors, service providers and those associated with dairy are being asked on to share their views through meetings in over 20 locations across the nation during May and June, as well as contribute via online platforms.
The consultation will support the plan development, identifying key industry priorities and delivering transformative and positive change for dairy over the next five years and beyond.
Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Farmers, Australian Dairy Products Federation and the Gardiner Dairy Foundation are supporting the consultation.
Mr Hunt said industry bodies did not want to weigh in too heavily about what they believe needs to change as the plan should be entirely devised by those working in the thick of the sector.
“We want to find out exactly what they would like to see happen, without any guidance or influence,” he said.
“If it turns out they believe we’re doing all the right things then that’s an answer in itself, but if not that gives us a foundation to start making the right changes.
“I think things are starting to progress into a more positive space for the industry.
“Unfortunately times have been pretty tough, but we’re working towards a better industry as a whole and hopefully raising consumer awareness in the process.”
Visit www.dairyplan.com.au for further information.
