Woolworths’ milk levy for dairy farmers

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud has applauded Woolworths for its 10 cent a litre milk levy to help dairy farmers.

Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation and Kyogle farmer Shane Hickey promoted the idea two weeks ago and Minister Littleproud stated he supported the idea. He said if retailers and processors could agree to a levy, he was happy to work to facilitate it.

“Good on you, Woolies,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This is brilliant news. You had the intention of leading from the outset and found a way to make sure our farmers are better rewarded for their hard work.

“I called for it, you listened and you’ve acted.

“This shows when everybody cooperates to do the right thing, they can get things done without government.

“Aussies want to support our farmers and now they can do it simply, without breaking the bank.

“This is not the structural reform the industry needs – I’m working on a mandatory code of conduct for the dairy industry right now – but it will help.

“This is a great win for our dairy farmers and for people power, #fairgoforfarmers.”

Earlier this year, every major bank effectively offered thousands of farmers lower interest rates by allowing them to use their farm management deposits as an offset account after Minister Littleproud told them at his Drought Roundtable that denying farmers that opportunity was unacceptable.