Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF)

Location

Australian Dairy Farmers operates extensively across Australia, with its headquarters distributed throughout various states and territories. This extensive network allows ADF to effectively support dairy producers nationwide.

Financial Indicators

In 2022, the Australian dairy industry, overseen by ADF, was valued at approximately AUD 4 billion. This significant valuation highlights the sector's substantial contribution to the national economy, driven by strong domestic demand and export activities.

Important Events

ADF has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and pricing pressures. Through strategic lobbying, ADF has influenced government policies to promote sustainable farming and fair pricing. A notable initiative includes their proactive approach to market volatility and environmental stresses, advocating for better governmental support and strategic policy reforms.

The organization has expressed serious concerns regarding the ACCC's decision on a merger that reduces choices and bargaining power for farmers, posing a considerable risk to farmgate prices. ADF is calling for stronger Dairy Code of Conduct safeguards to ensure fair competition and secure Australian dairy farmers' interests.

Company Plans

Looking ahead, ADF plans to strengthen its advocacy efforts by focusing on enhancing trade agreements, sustainable development practices, and innovative dairy farming techniques. The organization aims to increase community and policymaker engagement to reinforce the industry's sustainability and global competitiveness. ADF's strategic objectives also include fostering industry collaboration to build resilience against economic and environmental challenges.

Recently, ADF reaffirmed leadership continuity by re-electing three directors to its board. ADF President Ben Bennett has emphasized the need for swift and tangible support from the government, including subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans to mitigate current challenges related to supplier dissatisfaction with farmgate price increases.

Australian Dairy Farmers continues broader advocacy for timely and equitable disaster support across all states and agricultural sectors, specifically urging the Victorian and South Australian governments to secure similar assistance for their drought-stricken farmers.

Ben Bennett, the president of Australian Dairy Farmers, praised the federal MPs for their solidarity and direct engagement with the farmers’ concerns, contrasting it with the Victorian Government’s less open stance.

The organization opposes the proposed acquisition of Fonterra's Australian assets by Lactalis due to fears it could reduce farmers' negotiating power and price competition.

ADF is urging for enforceable undertakings to protect farmers' interests if Bega's acquisition of Fonterra's assets proceeds, focusing on preserving milk supply freedom and existing contracts.

ADF is actively involved in ensuring favorable outcomes for dairy farmers amid industry consolidations. The organization hopes additional revenue will be relayed back to farmers, emphasizing the necessity of fair returns and sustainability, stressing that a fair pricing system is vital to the survival of dairy farmers amid escalating input costs.

Modified: 2025/08/23