Work continues on Dairy Industry Plan

28 Feb 2019

The NSW Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate, Ian Zandstra, is continuing to meet with dairy farmers and industry stakeholders, who have been impacted by the drought and bushfires, as he continues working on an action and investment plan for the industry.

Ian Zandstra said he recently convened the second meeting of the expert 10-person Dairy Industry Advisory Panel, to discuss a number of challenges raised with him by dairy farmers, including structural issues such as farm ownership, access to capital and the implications of geographic distribution for delivery of services.

“Following discussions on trends in profitability, the panel commissioned a report to be prepared detailing the profile of the dairy industry in NSW and analysis of the dairy market,” Mr Zandstra.

“The panel received a briefing on proposed areas of research and development, which could be included in a dairy research and development investment plan, and the agenda also included discussions on the State’s implementation of the National Mandatory Dairy Code.

“I am committed to supporting our dairy industry by driving confidence and profitability across the supply chain.”

Ian Zandstra is a South Coast dairy farmer and 37 year industry veteran, who was appointed the NSW Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate in September 2019, tasked with working alongside industry and government to grow a stronger, more profitable dairy industry.

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

For more information on the NSW dairy industry visit the NSW Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate page.

Media contact: 6391 3686