Voting opens on February 24 and closes on March 31.
The Dairy Poll 2022 options put forward by the Levy Poll Advisory Committee are:
- no change;
- a 15 per cent increase;
- a 20 per cent increase; and
- a 25 per cent increase.
The current levy has not changed since 2012. The LPAC’s recommendation is for a 20 per cent increase.
eastAUSmilk advocates on behalf of Queensland and NSW dairy farmers and president Matt Trace said it was vital levy-paying members had a say on the options.
“No dairy levy poll has been held since 2012 and we need to ensure that the outcome from this poll will be the best result for the future of the dairy industry, especially for research, development and marketing,” Mr Trace said.
“It is unfortunate that the Levy Poll Advisory Committee did not include an option to decrease or remove the levy. It was for this reason that I resigned from the advisory committee last September.”
eastAUSmilk co-chief executive officer Shaughn Morgan said the vote was important for the future of the industry.
“Dairy Australia announced last year that any increased investment arising from the poll would examine labour shortages, regional services, climate challenges and policy development, each of which are important to dairy,” Mr Morgan said.
“As Dairy Australia moves into the next five-year funding arrangement, other issues will also be part of future reviews within their operational ambit and oversight by their board, government and dairy farmers.
“(This ranges) from further opportunities from the 'dairy plan', funding from dairy industry players through to leadership within the industry generally.
“The opportunities are vast but the outcomes can be great and eastAUSmilk will hold them to account.’’
Mr Morgan said ongoing discussions with other dairy industry players including processors and retailers could provide another way to enhance future funding of research and development.
“Each organisation in the dairy value-chain must play its part in a proactive and positive manner to ensure a sustainable and viable dairy future with each maintaining a strong incentive to support their industry, from dairy farmers, processors and retailers,” he said.
11°C