Dairy Industry Advisory Panel Marks Important Milestone

10 Feb 2020

The inaugural meeting of the NSW Dairy Industry Advisory Panel recently has marked an important milestone in the development of a road map to guide the future of the NSW dairy industry.

NSW Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate Ian Zandstra convened the new panel for the first time, and said it would be a key part of his work alongside industry and government to grow a stronger, more profitable dairy industry.

“One of the key challenges I have been set by the NSW Minister for Agriculture is the development of a NSW Dairy Action Plan, and gathering this expert 10-person panel around a table is a critical first step,” he said.

“In their first meeting, the panel identified a range of issues that need to be addressed in the Dairy Industry Action Plan, including an analysis of the NSW milk market, the adequacy of government assistance measures and eligibility criteria, opportunities to capture greater value in the dairy cabinet (not just liquid milk), and regulatory barriers to improved business performance.

“The panel acknowledged the devastating impacts of drought and bushfire on the industry but also discussed other challenges affecting the industry which need to be addressed, including structural issues such as farm ownership, access to capital and the implications of geographic distribution for delivery of services.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the panel to ensure the views and needs of the industry are represented as we chart a path to shared success.”

Since his appointment, Mr Zandstra has met with dairy farmers and industry stakeholders, assisted in the recruitment of a key position in the NSW DPI’s dairy industry advisory unit, joined the ACCC’s Dairy Industry Consultative Committee and provided advice and assistance on the dairy industry’s bushfire recovery.

Mr Zandstra will also report to government on the effectiveness of the Dairy Industry Code of Conduct.

Media contact: dairyadvocate@gmail.com