Dairy farmers vote for 10% levy increase

Australian dairy farmers have voted to lift the Dairy Service Levy rate by 10%.

The Dairy Poll 2012 showed that just over 60% of voters were in favour of the increased levy, with over half of all votes cast in favour of the 10% increase. 39.87% voted for no levy.

Max Roberts, Dairy Australia chairperson, said, “We are satisfied with these numbers. There was a valid return of 50.86% of the available number of votes, which is an encouraging voter turnout that compares favourably to voter numbers in similar polls by other rural development corporations.

“Voting for a levy increase this time was a much harder ask for farmers than in 2007 when 32% voted against maintaining the levy rate, which was the recommended option on that occasion.”

The result of the ballot and Dairy Australia’s recommendations for the 10% increase will be sent to Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

According to Dairy Australia, the levy funds services such as research and development, industry protection and promotion, and initiatives to attract, retain and develop people across the dairy supply chain.

51 Dairy Poll meetings were convened around the country in January and February 2012, with voting conducted between 3 February and 16 March.