FEDERAL assistance is now being sought by dairy industry leaders.
While farmers have welcomed the Victorian Government’s $1.5 million assistance package in the wake of farm gate milk price cuts, farm leaders are now calling for a national approach.
The pre-election period means that the Government is in caretaker mode, requiring the Prime Minister, Mr Turnbull to consult with the Opposition before an agreement for assistance is offered. Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews said the package will deliver support to help ease the pain of those who had been hit hardest by the price cuts and profit clawbacks by major processors Murray Goulburn and Fonterra.
“The package will ensure dairy farmers and their families experiencing emotional and financial stress get the support they need to help them get through these challenging times,” he said.
The package includes:
• $940,000 for extra counselling services and additional funding to Lifeline so that farmers and their families can get the information, advice and support they need;
• $345,000 for grants for affected communities so they are better supported to continue to look out for each other and come together to talk about the issues that matter to them;
• $150,000 to give 750 people mental health first aid training, giving the community valuable information about mental health issues and where to get help for themselves, their friends or family;
• $100,000 boost towards the Look Over the Farm Gate program led by the Victorian Farmers Federation and the National Centre for Farmer Health. This will include extra community well-being workshops and community events.
The government has convened a Dairy Industry Taskforce to address how farming communities can be supported by proactive measures led by industry. This will shortly report back to government.
The Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford has also met with the banks, calling on the financial sector to better support farmers affected by the dramatic drop in milk prices in Victoria.
“Victorian dairy farmers produce world-class produce that we’re proud of. Farmers are resilient and proud people, but we know that even the most resilient need support during these difficult times for the dairy sector,” Mr Andrews said.
United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president, Adam Jenkins welcomed the package.
“There are a lot of people doing it tough as a result of the actions taking by Murray Goulburn and Fonterra and this funding will make sure those who need help get the support they need,” Mr Jenkins said.
Victorian Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh said the next step will be to provide relief that eases the cash flow crunch for dairy businesses.
“Farmers have raised with me this week the possibility of municipal rates relief, waivers for water charges and easily accessed low interest finance which would help ease some of the financial pressure dairy businesses are under,” Mr Walsh said.
Cohuna dairy farmer, John Keely describes the situation confronting the dairy industry as “the perfect storm”.
He’s worked on the family farm since leaving school in 1982, and his youngest son Harrison recently joined the family business, becoming the fifth generation to run the 310-cow herd, which produces about 2.5 million litres of milk each year.
Farmers are struggling with the fall-out of an unprecedented, late-in-the-season 15 per cent drop in the milk price by Murray Goulburn and Fonterra.
As an established farmer, Mr Keely is committed to the industry.
He is the regional representative on the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria board and is a representative on the Australian Dairy Farmers national council.
Mr Keely told the Australian Financial Review that milk prices will eventually recover, but he’s not sure how many dairy farmers will survive the tough times.
* Dairy farmers and their families seeking help can phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Murray Dairy on (03) 5833 5312.
