The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is holding a series of forums in dairy regions across the country, as part of its inquiry into the national dairy industry, initiated by the Coalition Government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At the forums dairy farmers can raise directly with the ACCC Commissioners the competition and fair trading issues that they face.
The forums are a vital component of its inquiry into national dairy industry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, today welcomed the forums and encouraged dairy farmers to take this opportunity and attend and provide direct input.
“This is a chance for dairy farmers to raise their competition and fair trading issues directly with an ACCC Commissioner,” Minister Joyce said.
“We need farmers’ participation to get to the heart of the inquiry and to help uncover inefficiencies and inequities that our farmers face to identify a way forward.
“The inquiry began in November and is in-depth and independent, involving broad consultation across all levels of the industry and across the supply chain.
“It is examining competition between processors, contracting practices, market transparency and the retail pricing of dairy products.
“Our dairy farmers deserve fair returns at the farmgate, as well as transparency in milk price arrangements and supply contracts.
“The Coalition remains committed to ensuring the long-term viability of the dairy industry and supporting our dairy farmers in tough times.
“We stood by farmers affected by the decisions of Murray Goulburn and Fonterra to retrospectively reduce farm gate milk prices, with all commitments under the Dairy Support Package either underway or delivered.
“All farmers are strongly encouraged to have their say and attend the forums.”
In our region the forum will be held at Taree, on Tuesday, February 7.
Further details on the venues and times for the regional forums will be published on the ACCC’s website: www.accc.gov.au