Dairy Industry Forms Research Pathways

MEDIA RELEASE
DAIRY INDUSTRY FORMS RESEARCH PATHWAYS

In a dairy industry first, a national plan has been developed that will unite and better coordinate research, development and extension (R, D&E) for the industry.

Working together, industry, government and the research sector have joined to develop one high level plan which outlines key goals that will drive future dairy RD&E programs.

All investment in pre-farmgate RD&E will be linked into this new national plan meaning that Australian dairy farmers will benefit from enhanced research programs that maximise national resources and infrastructure.

President of Australia Dairy Farmers Wes Judd said that this plan aligns around $100 million worth of investment together.

"Coordinating RD&E for the industry allows us to take advantage of all the investments and programs happening in different areas and by different organisations. This initiative will make sure we are utilising every opportunity to its fullest potential and coordinating funding and resources to maximise returns for dairy farmers."

The plan outlines a range of areas critical to future dairy RD&E including assisting farm systems to adapt to more volatile business environments and climate, increasing the skill and capacity of people and industry training and driving animal performance.

"The dairy industry has been facing an increasing number of challenges over recent times. To help deal with these challenges we need a coordinated approach with the one key objective . support Australian dairy farmers," Wes said.

The plan was presented to and endorsed by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMS as part of the National Primary Industries RD&E Framework in early November. The plan is a part of the Dairy Moving Forward initiative which was funded by the Victoria Government and industry.

"As part of the plan, we have identified that there is some more work to be done in the area of people. We know we have infrastructure thanks to significant develops in various states, but we need more work done to make sure we are directing the right sort of investment towards developing the people within the industry," Wes said.

Key partners involved in the plan will continue to look at this and develop strategies for overcoming these issues and making sure we have the right level of RD&E in this area.

The other significant outcome from this plan is that farmers will have more influence on shaping dairy RD&E.

"This agreed pathway for dairy RD&E means that all investment will be linked. What dairy farmers tell us they need will have the potential to be responded to across national RD&E programs," Wes said.

For more information: contact
Adele Buhagiar
03 9694 3894 or
0400 923 221

SOURCE: Dairy Australia