The Alpine Valleys Dairy Pathways Project chairman has called on industry leaders and politicians to lift their game and play a leading role to help grow the dairy industry.
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At a community meeting in Tangambalanga on Wednesday about 100 dairy farmers and dairy industry workers heard of the project’s work to attract more people into the industry and help make it easier for those wanting to move out of it.
The innovative project’s chairman Stuart Crosthwaite, who farms in the Kiewa Valley, said the North East was the most profitable dairy region in the country and, despite a “pretty rocky road” in the past 12 months, the Alpine Valleys program was confident dairy could grow and prosper.
A delegation from the Alpine Valleys Project and dairy farmers will take their industry concerns to Canberra on March 22.
He said key issues included strong leadership, a focus on agriculture at the school level and ensuring perceptions about modern dairy farming reflected reality.
“There is no clear vision for dairy that links government and industry on a clear path to change,” Mr Crosthwaite said.
“No one is taking responsibility for growing the industry. Milk companies are so internally focused on their own agendas that they are failing to play their part in the community and fostering a culture that supports growth.
“… And farmers, particularly in the past 18 months or so, have lost confidence and respect in their industry leaders.”
Wednesday’s meeting also heard from Independent Member for Indi Cathy McGowan, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria manager Vin Delahunty, Dairy Australia analyst Norman Repacholi, dairy farmer Ken Jones and Nick Xenophon Team Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.
Ms McGowan suggested a one-off day to showcase the North East dairy industry, involving dairy farms, small business operators and schools to highlight the industry and promote career opportunities it held.
“I suggest to the community here we have an Alpine Valleys/dairy open day,” Ms McGowan told the meeting.
“Visit a few dairy farms in the area and invite the Wodonga, Albury and Beechworth and Indigo people to come and have a look at a modern Australian dairy farm, maybe get (Murray Goulburn’s Tangambalanga) factory open as well.”