Dairy Australia - Dairy chiefs sell the levy message before poll
Published:September 28, 2006
Source :Dairy Australia
Australia's dairy chiefs are already on the hustings reminding producers the value of their levy dollars ahead of next year's poll.
Although votes do not have to be cast until March 2007, Dairy Australia leaders yesterday reminded a gathering of Victorian producers in Gippsland of the value of levy dollars in driving on-farm productivity gains.
Dairy Australia chairman Pat Rowley says the body's role is to "inform levy payers and industry about the levy process, while the advisory committee would provide valuable input into determining the options to be put forward".
A Dairy Service Levy Poll Industry Advisory Committee, comprising 19 industry representatives, is responsible for examining the levy poll process, providing option advice and developing a final action plan for the industry.
"The Dairy Service Levy Poll is significant as it gives every single levy payer – not just Dairy Australia members – their first opportunity to have a say on the level of the services provided," Mr Rowley said.
None of the work supported by Dairy Australia can be done without industry first showing its commitment through the Dairy Service Levy, which is generally less than 1pc of the farmgate milk price.
Managing director, Mike Ginnivan, says Dairy Australia has invested about $30 million of levy and Australian Government funds in more than 300 research, development and extension projects.
These investments have converted new ideas into practical innovations.
"But there is no point producing practical innovations if they are not used or taken to the market place, so we find ways to facilitate their adoption," Dr Ginnivan said.
