QDO president Brian Tessmann said timing of election meant the Fair Milk Logo scheme was in limbo.
“Before the election the Labor government announced this program and committed funding for QDO to deliver this project to benefit all Queensland dairy farmers,” Mr Tessmann said.
“Unfortunately, due to election timing and the current caretaker government the final contract was not signed off.
Without political support the Queensland dairy industry’s future is compromised.
– Brian Tessmann, QDO
“QDO firmly believe that Fair Milk Logo scheme is an essential component to guaranteeing the future of our industry in this state. Without political support the industry’s future is compromised.”
Further to the Fair Milk logo, QDO outlined its other major election priorities on behalf of the industry.
“As well as the Fair Milk Logo, securing the future of our industry through a series of measure to return fair returns for farmers is a major issue,” Mr Tessmann said.
“Industry and governments need to work together to identify concrete ways to fix the imbalance of power between dairy farmers, processors and retailers.
“We need a state government willing to stand up for its dairy farmers including pressing for federal legislative change.”
Mr Tessmann said on-farm electricity prices were also hurting dairy farmers and must be addressed.
“Electricity prices for dairy farmers are three-and-a-half times higher than they were eight years ago,” Mr Tessmann said.
“This has made the cost electricity virtually unaffordable for dairy farmers.
“QDO is asking parties to deliver a program that funds the state’s dairy farmers to implement efficiencies for both irrigation and dairy sheds.
“This election QDO is calling on all parties to support the Fair Milk Logo, commit to standing up for a fair milk prices and reduced electricity costs.”
