Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester caught up with local farmers to discuss the proposed Saputo purchase of Murray Goulburn Co-operative.
Mr Chester said the sale of Murray Goulburn provided the industry with a secure path forward and appeared to have strong support from the local suppliers.
The Macalister Irrigation District is the largest irrigation district in southern Victoria, estimated to contribute in excess of $500 million per year to the national economy.
“Murray Goulburn and its suppliers have been through an incredibly difficult time and this bid from Saputo has the potential to boost confidence and provide certainty in an industry which is critical to the future of Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“The social and economic benefits of the dairying sector are well understood by Gippslanders and we want to build on our region’s strength as a world-class producer.”
