AUSTRALIA’S peak dairy farming body is calling on both sides of government to invest in safeguarding the dairy industry's future. With Australia’s dairy industry at a critical juncture, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) announced a suite of funding priorities ahead of the federal election. ADF President Ben Bennett invited the Federal Government to support the industry to reinvigorate dairy production, modernise farm operations, and strengthen regional dairy communities. “Australian dairy production has declined from a peak in 2001-02 at around 11.3 billion litres, down to 8.3 billion litres in 2023-24 — a decline of 26 per cent,” Mr Bennett said. “Over this time we’ve also seen an increase in cheap imported products." Mr Bennett said the Government Standing Committee into Australia’s food security in 2023 recommended that the National Food Plan develop a ‘specific strategy’ for reinvigorating the Australian dairy industry to lift profitability and production while addressing its economic and environmental sustainability. Mr Bennet said ADF’s cohesive policy priorities recognised that dairy farming was more than ‘just milk production', as it provided essential nutrition, supported jobs and service industries, and fostered innovation through new technologies and modern workforce practices. Mr Bennett said attracting new farmers and encouraging reinvestment in the sector would lead to greater productivity, enhanced sustainability, and stronger regional economies. “As dairy production prospers, so do the towns, businesses, and services that rely on it,” he said. The ADF wish-list seeks a $399 million investment across five key areas: • First farm ownership and family succession support to ensure new and young farmers can enter and grow within the industry • Reinvestment in on-farm productivity and efficiency, to support modernisation through advanced technology and sustainability measures • Water security for dairy farms via long-term solutions for managing scarce water resources • Workforce development and digital adoption – equipping dairy operations with skilled workers and the latest farm automation technologies • Ongoing industry support by strengthening the services and support farmers needed to build and sustain a thriving dairy sector Mr Bennett said the ADF election package was about building confidence in the dairy industry’s future. “With targeted government support, dairy can continue to be a pillar of Australia’s food security and rural economy for generations to come,” he said.
