July 28, 2009
The impact of low milk prices will flow through to all local businesses over the next twelve months, according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester today attended a dairy industry information session where local farmers discussed a range of options to help them cope with the downturn in the industry. The forum was held at the Macalister Demonstration Farm near Maffra, attended by 30 farmers from the Macalister Irrigation District.
“There is no question that the low opening prices will make it difficult for all dairy farmers in Gippsland and I have previously expressed my view that the State and Federal Agricultural Ministers should be taking a more active role,” Mr Chester said.
“The dairy industry is just as important to Gippsland as the car industry is to Geelong and we have already seen a taxpayer funded bailout of the car industry.
“The State and Federal Governments should be sitting down with industry leaders and the banking sector to develop a range of measures to assist farming families in the months ahead.
“Gippsland dairy farmers are world class producers but they are being forced to cope with international circumstances which are beyond their control – there is a strong case to be made for additional government assistance.”
Mr Chester has congratulated the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) staff for conducting the information session in partnership with the Macalister Research Farm, Macalister and East Gippsland committee of the Dairy Extension Centre, Maffra Vet Centre and GippsDairy.
“It was a positive and informative discussion led by staff who had a thorough understanding of the issues facing the industry,” Mr Chester said.
“Faced with these difficult circumstances, its important farming families have the benefit of up-to-date information and access to results of the latest research.
“Local farmers are going to be making some tough business decisions in the short-term but I am confident that the industry has a viable future in the long-term.
“The impact of the downturn in dairying will be felt by all businesses across the region as reduced income will inevitably lead to reduced spending.
“It’s in the interest of all Gippslanders for State and Federal Governments to work with the dairy industry to ensure there is a return to profitability as soon as possible.”