ITALIAN dairy giant Parmalat has announced a new chief executive for its Australian operations.

Craig Garvin will take over from Fabio Genitrini, who became chief executive in June following David Lord's resignation after eight years in the top job.

Parmalat said Mr Garvin had a strong background in fast-moving consumer goods in both well-known branded companies and the hospitality industry.

Mr Garvin's will begin in his new role on January 11.

Burra step-up

BURRA Foods has announced a step-up in its farmgate milk price, lifting it by 4c/kg for butterfat and 10c/kg for protein.

The step-up is effective from November 1 and will be paid retrospectively on December 15 for premium and base-quality milk supplied from July 1.

The company also announced a rise in seasonal incentives for milk produced from January to June next year.

The latest step-up follows Burra's rises of 12c/kg butterfat and 30c/kg protein in October and 7c/kg butterfat and 17c/kg protein in August.

New dairy co-ordinator

LOUISE Sheba is the new regional co-ordinator for Dairy Australia's Dairying for Tomorrow program in southwest Victoria.

The program aims to help the dairy industry reduce its environmental footprint and secure a sustainable future.

Ms Sheba replaces WestVic Dairy executive officer Mike Weise in the role. She has spent the past four years as DemoDAIRY's business development manager, and she will continue as the dairy's project manager.

"I think it is a win-win for both organisations as there are many opportunities for joint activities and it can only enhance the connections between Dairying for Tomorrow and the local farming community," Ms Sheba said.