Australia-Help for Dairy farmers.

AUSTRALIA-AID FOR DAIRY FARMERS.

More than $1.4 million will be invested over the next six months in a joint industry investment aimed at assisting dairy farmers to better understand and manage the joint impacts of drought and the global economic crisis on their business.

Dairy Australia, the Australian Dairyfarmers Limited, the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria and the Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation have combined to put a package together.

Dairy Australia managing director Mike Ginnivan said that the Victorian Government’s funding of $350,000 will join with the Federal Government funding of $724,000 aimed at the Southern Murray Darling Basin, and Dairy Australia’s investment of $350,000.

"The global financial crisis was the last straw for many farmers under stress – farmers have done everything right," Dr Ginnivan said.

"They had adapted to have flexible farming systems and had proven their resilience in their farm practices.

"But the global financial crisis has varied affects, and that is why tailored responses are being rolled out across the industry.

"This funding will help dairy farmers region by region examine their long-term business options and scenarios in light of the volatility in the market.

"We are working with Governments and industry partners to make sure we deliver quality, current and long-term information on milk pricing scenarios, water situation, weather outlook, feed price and availability forecasts and other issues affecting the dairy industry."

Dr Ginnivan said that the work of dairy Regional Development Programs around the country has been critical in shaping support programs.

The funding will go towards:

* Market intelligence to better understand and anticipate market trends driving farm gate prices.

* Briefing sessions for banking and agribusiness services sector to assess risk and develop support strategies for businesses under pressure.

* Direct one on one consultation to help farmers plan their individual business circumstance.

* Management tools for farmers to respond to a more volatile supply of farm inputs such as water, feed and fuel.