The public meetings are part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s inquiry into the dairy industry’s structure and behaviour, which has been running since November.
The ACCC is examining competition among milk processors, processors’ contracts with farmers, global supply markets and the profitability of dairy farms.
Commissioner Mick Keogh said the ACCC was attending major dairy production regions in each state.
“We are interested in hearing from farmers on a range of topics, including options for selling milk in different regions, the transparency of how farmgate milk prices are calculated, and contracting practices in the industry,” he said.
The first forum will be held at Toowoomba, Queensland on February 6. Meetings will follow in every other state.
Victoria, which accounts for the bulk of Australian dairy production, will host three meetings. Forums will be held in Traralgon on February 14, Warrnambool (February 27) and Shepparton (February 28).
Tasmanian port city Burnie will host the final meeting in the series on March 22.
The commission is separately investigating cuts to the price paid to dairy farmers for their milk by processors Murray Goulburn and Fonterra in last year. The ACCC is expected to make its report to Treasurer Scott Morrison before November 1.
Source: CourierMail
Link: http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/furious-farmers-chance-to-discuss-dairy/news-story/c5e1b09b920aeba4399a4f40e8c9cf77
