Levy Poll Advisory Committee encourages 20 per cent increase to dairy levy rate

Dairy farmers across Australia have one month to determine the future rates of a levy that is changed only once every half-decade.

As of Wednesday February 24 dairy farmers will be asked to choose between no change, a 15 per cent increase, a 20 per cent increase or a 25 per cent increase to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s dairy levy rate.

The current total levy rate per kilogram of milk, fat and protein is 10.0562 cents and has seen no change since 2012, with the Levy Poll Advisory Committee this year recommending an increase of 20 per cent.

Encouraging additional investment the LPAC said the increase would deliver tangible benefits to dairy farmers in important areas for the industry such as tackling labour shortages and addressing high priority issues around the climate.

LPAC chair Ron Storey said that while an increase to the levy was recommended, farmers will make the final choice, and therefore an option of no increase is included on the ballot paper.

“LPAC heard from many farmers, some of whom advocated for no levy or no increase, and others who supported a larger levy for increased investment in research, development and extension and other dairy industry services to secure their future,” he said.

Those who want to vote can do so online or via post. Voting is due to close on March 31 and results announced a short time after voting has concluded.