Controversy Brews Over Australian Dairy Products Federation’s Role in Dairy Australia Ahead of Key Vote
Source: DairyNews.today
A contentious proposal to remove the Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF) from Dairy Australia’s membership is set for a decisive vote at the organization’s upcoming annual general meeting on November 27. The motion, driven by the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, seeks to oust the ADPF as a Group B member, escalating long-standing tensions over funding contributions.
Farmers, who contribute around $30 million annually to Dairy Australia through levies—matched by an additional $20 million from the federal government—have criticized processors for paying almost nothing to the industry body. The ADPF, representing major processors like Fonterra, Bega, Saputo, and Norco, is viewed by some farmers as benefitting from Dairy Australia’s work without financial commitment. The resolution requires a 75% majority vote from Dairy Australia members to pass, though Dairy Australia’s board has advised against it.
Ian Morris, a dairy farmer from Southwest Victoria and former World Bank official, voiced frustration over the disparity in contributions. He pointed out that while Group A members (farmers) contribute millions, the ADPF, as a Group B member, does not contribute financially. “The ADPF acknowledged in 2019, during the release of the John Brumby-led Australian Dairy Plan, that they should financially support Dairy Australia,” Morris said. “Yet, five years later, they’ve made no real commitment, despite ongoing negotiations.”
The ADPF declined to comment directly but referenced its contributions to key Dairy Australia initiatives, including the Australian Milk Pool Trajectory Research to 2030, water security efforts, and plant-based labelling programs. According to ADPF’s statement, processors offer valuable in-kind technical resources and data to Dairy Australia and invest directly on farms to support milk quality, sustainability, and animal welfare.
United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free argued that processors, who previously indicated a willingness to contribute financially, have since retracted. “Farmers are fed up with processors avoiding their fair share. If we’re expected to contribute millions, processors—especially given their strong performance this season—should do the same,” Free said.
In 2021, ADPF signaled progress toward an agreement to contribute financially to Dairy Australia, yet the plan stalled as subsequent statements downplayed any imminent deal. The November 27 meeting, held at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus, will determine the ADPF’s future in Dairy Australia, highlighting a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over equitable funding in the dairy sector.
Ian Morris, a dairy farmer from Southwest Victoria and former World Bank official, voiced frustration over the disparity in contributions. He pointed out that while Group A members (farmers) contribute millions, the ADPF, as a Group B member, does not contribute financially. “The ADPF acknowledged in 2019, during the release of the John Brumby-led Australian Dairy Plan, that they should financially support Dairy Australia,” Morris said. “Yet, five years later, they’ve made no real commitment, despite ongoing negotiations.”
The ADPF declined to comment directly but referenced its contributions to key Dairy Australia initiatives, including the Australian Milk Pool Trajectory Research to 2030, water security efforts, and plant-based labelling programs. According to ADPF’s statement, processors offer valuable in-kind technical resources and data to Dairy Australia and invest directly on farms to support milk quality, sustainability, and animal welfare.
United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free argued that processors, who previously indicated a willingness to contribute financially, have since retracted. “Farmers are fed up with processors avoiding their fair share. If we’re expected to contribute millions, processors—especially given their strong performance this season—should do the same,” Free said.
In 2021, ADPF signaled progress toward an agreement to contribute financially to Dairy Australia, yet the plan stalled as subsequent statements downplayed any imminent deal. The November 27 meeting, held at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus, will determine the ADPF’s future in Dairy Australia, highlighting a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over equitable funding in the dairy sector.
