May 19, 2016
A delegation of Gippsland dairy representatives and Federal MP Darren Chester have agreed to host a public forum to support farming families affected by the decline in milk prices.
Mr Chester arranged a meeting for the dairy representatives with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce while he was in Gippsland today to discuss the community and government response to the crisis.
“It was a good opportunity for Barnaby to gain a first hand understanding of the issue from a Gippsland perspective,” Mr Chester said.
“He has already met with dairy industry representatives in other parts of Victoria but it was important for local dairy farmers to highlight their concerns and suggest possible actions.”
Mr Joyce told the gathering that he understood the short term impact of the price cut and was working closely with the industry to secure the long term future.
“We all agree that dairying in Australia has strong long term prospects but we need to make sure the industry survives the current downturn,” Mr Chester said.
“There is a growing demand for dairy around the world and we have negotiated three Free Trade Agreements which will benefit local producers in the years ahead.
“But that doesn’t help us with the immediate problem and it’s important we work together as a community to support each other at this difficult time.”
Mr Chester proposed a public forum which would involve representatives from support agencies and the dairy industry to ensure families are aware of the help that is available to them if they need it.
Details of the forum are being developed and will be made publically available as soon as possible.
Local dairy representatives John Vardy, Ross Anderson, Graeme Anderson, Jeannette Howie and Brad Missen at a meeting with Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester have agreed to host a public forum to support farming families affected by the decline in milk prices .
