A DAIRY industry crisis meeting will be held on Monday night in Western Victoria.
The meeting, organised by a group of local dairy farmers, will discuss issues facing the industry such as a better and fairer farmgate price, support for the industry from government and promoting Australian products domestically.The meeting, to be held at the Noorat football ground, Noorat will also call for an independent review of the structures and bodies representing the dairy industry, according to a promotional flyer.
"We need you to come along to the Noorat Football Ground on Monday, January 14 at 7.30pm and help explain to Dan Tehan, Dennis Napthine and a UDV (United Dairyfarmers' of Victoria) representative the pressures that our community is facing,'' the flyer said.
"This meeting has been organised by farmers, for all people affected by the downturn in the dairy industry.
"It is non-political, not aligned with any processors or suppliers and is a genuine step in educating our community leaders of the serious issues in their electorates.
"Don't leave this task up to others, spread the word and plan to attend.
"Remember that the dairy industry is Victoria's largest export earner.
"Our state and our nation need to value our contribution.''
One of the meeting organisers Taroon dairy farmer Phillip Bond said the meeting was about trying to get a better outcome for dairy farmers and the future of the industry.
"It has been building (the) problem with the spring milk (payments) and the factories have changed the payment systems away from profitable farming,'' he said.
Mr Bond said the dairy industry's future was a matter for the whole community.
The meeting is open to everyone and will start at 7.30pm.
