August 9, 2017
Just four months after dairy farmers’ hopes were dashed that the State Government would pass a “Fair Price logo” Bill, the government has put forward almost a million dollars so farmers can create their own scheme.
In April, Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation president Brian Tessmann said local dairy farmers were “disappointed and bewildered” after a Parliamentary committee report into the Fair Milk Price Logo Bill recommended it not be passed.
The proposed “Fair Milk Price” logo scheme would have helped consumers identify milk for which dairy farmers had been paid a fair price.
However, Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne on Wednesday announced a funding package of $960,000 for “marketing strategies to help consumers make better-informed decisions when they buy milk”.
“The funding will also assist farmers and small local milk processors to improve their marketing and labelling campaigns,” Mr Byrne said.
“It will assist the Queensland dairy industry to develop its own ‘Fair Milk Logo’ scheme.
“While the Queensland Government is not in a position to set fair milk prices, it is important for consumers to understand where their money is going and how it will support local dairy farmers.”
Mr Byrne said as part of the funding package, $550,000 would be provided to the QDO over three years to design and implement a pilot scheme.
Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said it was important small processors and farmers were supported in helping build their capacity to better access local markets and opportunities.
“To assist small processors and farmers diversify their product range, and better develop their markets with improved branding and marketing, an allocation of $290,000 has been provided to the Office of Small Business,” Ms Enoch said.
“The Office of Small Business will develop tailored mentoring support services and workshops in conjunction with key stakeholders, and expand the Palaszczuk Government’s Go Local campaign, to support Queensland businesses in the dairy industry and complement the ‘Fair Milk Logo’ scheme.”
Mr Byrne said $120,000 had been allocated to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to facilitate greater farmer participation in the Queensland Dairy Accounting Scheme (QDAS).
“QDAS provides insights to dairy farmers on profitability, solvency and efficiency,” he said.
“With an increase in participation from farmers, the additional information will allow QDO to make more informed decisions about the issues facing the industry.”
QDO president Brian Tessmann said the organisation welcomed the funding.
“This initiative will assist Queensland’s dairy farmers to promote their milk and give them a fair go,” he said.
“It is a timely intervention that will help consumers make an informed choice and that has to be a positive thing.”
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