March 1, 2017
Queensland dairy farmers are urging consumers to lobby their State MPs to support a “Fair Milk Price” logo law in Parliament.
On Wednesday, the Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation repeated its support for a voluntary “Fair Milk Price” logo that would help inform consumers about which Queensland milk products directly supported the State’s dairy farmers.
QDO made a submission on Wednesday to the Agriculture and Environment Committee’s hearing into the Sustainable Queensland Dairy Production (Fair Milk Price logo) Bill 2016.
The Bill was introduced into State Parliament by Katter’s Australia Party in October last year. It was then referred to the Parliamentary Committee for consideration ahead of debate in Parliament.
The Agriculture and Environment Committee has also heard from councils, the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).
QDO President Brian Tessmann said a logo would go a long way to helping consumers identify Queensland milk produced at an ethical and fair price.
“People are continually asking what milk they should buy to support our local dairy farmers; while QDO encourages them to ‘buy branded milk’, many want a clearer indicator right there on the bottle,” Mr Tessmann said.
“The recent ‘I Buy Branded Milk’ campaign run by QDO was a success and shows consumers are willing to support Queensland dairy farmers and this Bill supports this public change.
“I’m calling on consumers, farmers and supporters of Queensland’s dairy industry to contact your local Member of Parliament and let them know how important this issue is to you and the State.
“If Queenslanders want to continue to enjoy local milk it is essential that we create a way that allows consumers to throw their market power behind sustaining the State’s farmers.”
