The Dairy Farmers Victoria announced today that it is fully open for business and is welcoming members from across Victoria.
While our industry will always face some challenges, we are a vibrant and forward-looking sector and deserve to be represented by an industry association that shares our passion and focus.
For some time now, there has been an increasing level of disquiet that the Victorian dairy industry’s position was not being articulated or heard under the current structure. Many of those charged with representing dairy farmers spoke of their frustration. But today, this has all changed. Today the vast majority of those dairy farmers that made up the UDV Policy Council have resigned from that Council and have come together to provide clear and unambiguous advocacy for all Victorian dairy farmers and to provide a platform that is accessible for all, through Dairy Farmers Victoria.
Mark Billing, Dairy Farmers Victoria President and former UDV President, said “As dairy farmers, we have been elected by our peers in the regions and across the State to represent them and advocate on their behalf. We have felt hamstrung and unable to do this to a level that our industry deserves.” “But now we can.” “We have been buoyed by the level of support across the industry that we have received over the past weeks as discussions regarding the establishment of Dairy Farmers Victoria deepened.” “Over two-thirds of the issues and concerns raised by Dairy Farmers are primarily related to the dairying sector, and we need to be able to take up these issues and concerns without being shackled or restrained.”
“Victoria is the largest dairy state by far in Australia. We have around 3000 dairy farms, which comprise sixty percent of the Australian industry. It is essential that we have a dedicated team working on behalf of our dairy farmers. The ongoing profitability of Victorian dairy farms operating in a prosperous and sustainable industry is at the core of the organisation’s stated objectives.”
“As the voice of Victorian dairy farmers, sound governance practices, open and active communications channels, and respect will remain as core atributes of the organisation. Members will have the right and will be encouraged to always express opinions. Advice will be sought both directly from members and through regions to ensure that representation is informed on industry issues and regional variations.”
“We will seek to work closely with the Victorian Farmers Federation across a wide range of whole of agriculture maters. Having a strong relationship with the Victorian State Farming Organisation remains very important.”
“Dairy Farmers Victoria will seek to associate, affiliate and co-operate with other associations or organisations having similar objectives. With this in mind we will sit down with Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) to determine how we work together for the beterment of Victoria dairy farmers and the national dairy industry.”
A website has been established www.dairyfarmersvictoria.org.au and membership forms are available through the website or by emailing dairyfarmersvictoria@gmail.com For further details and for regional representatives contact 0419 037 569