Bernie Free: A Pillar in the Dairy Industry

As the President of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV), Bernie Free has been a pivotal figure in the Australian dairy sector. Born into a family with deep roots in dairy farming, Bernie has dedicated his life to the industry from an early age. His academic background in agricultural science has equipped him with the expertise to address the challenges faced by dairy farmers.

Current Role

In his role as UDV President, Bernie Free is committed to advocating for the interests of Victorian dairy farmers. The UDV, affiliated with the Victorian Farmers Federation, promotes policies that support sustainable practices and equitable market conditions. His leadership is instrumental in ensuring the welfare of farmers across Victoria.

Significant Contributions

• Advocacy for Fair Milk Prices: Bernie has been a key advocate for ensuring farmers receive a fair share of profits, which is crucial for the economic sustainability of the dairy industry.
• Climate Resilience Initiatives: He has led efforts to enhance farmers' resilience against climate change by promoting innovative technologies and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Dairy Code of Conduct: Bernie played a vital role in developing and implementing a code designed to create a fair and transparent relationship between milk processors and dairy farmers in Australia.

Industry Remarks

Bernie Free has been vocal about the potential changes in farmer contracts with processors like Saputo and has praised Fonterra's supportive initiatives. His dedication to building collaborative relationships within the industry is evident.

Vision and Leadership

Under Bernie Free's leadership, the UDV is focused on securing a prosperous future for dairy farmers through advocacy and progressive policy development. He has expressed concerns over the increasing control by major retailers and emphasizes the need for balanced market dynamics. Bernie's criticism of the lack of financial contribution from processors highlights his commitment to ensuring farmers' substantial contributions are recognized.

Modified: 2025/11/12