May 24, 2016
Queensland dairy farmers and their supporters will rally outside State Parliament on Wednesday to put pressure on Coles and Woolworths to end the $1 milk price war.
The Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation wants supermarkets to set a price for fresh milk that provides a sustainable return to dairy farming families.
QDO President Brian Tessmann said the event would coincide with other rallies being held throughout the country and was generated through a call for action through social media (#lovemymilk #milkeddry)
“QDO and its members have been frustrated about the poor treatment they have been receiving from the major retailers since the start of the $1 milk price war in 2011,” Mr Tessmann said.
“There has been an overwhelming level of community support and interest since the industry’s woes were again made public for all to see in the last month.
“QDO has been encouraging consumers to buy branded milk since 2011 so it is heartening to see that the message is again circulating and getting traction with consumers.
“Since Coles started $1 milk in 2011 more than $200 million dollars a year has been stripped out of our dairy supply chain and the already small margins for dairy farmers were slashed.
“With all major retailers undervaluing milk we have seen many Queensland dairy farmers leave in the industry as it no longer become profitable for them to continue.
“Since 2011 more than 170 dairy farmers have left the Queensland industry when we have been short of fresh milk and should not have lost any.
“This equates to a loss of some 170 million litres of milk production per annum and some $550 million in milk production investment and more than 580 on farm jobs.
“Queensland will import some 180 million litres this year from interstate to meet the needs of Queensland consumers. This should not be happening.”
Mr Tessmann said consumers must value local high quality fresh milk as if they don’t, it would not be there in the future and shoppers would be left with inferior options and paying more for it.
“The best way for Queenslanders to support local Queensland dairy farmers is to buy branded milk and dairy products as it adds value to the product and ensures our farmers are paid the fair price at the farm gate they deserve,” he said.
“So just don’t buy cheap milk sold by the major supermarkets for $1 per litre.”
The rally will be held on Wednesday (May 25) from 12:30pm on the corner of George and Alice streets, Brisbane.
