GILLESPIE WELCOMES NORCO PRICE LIFT

Dairy co-operative Norco has announced it will lift the price it pays its dairy farmers by 2 cents per litre. The increase will see Norco farmers receive 77 cents per litre for the second half of the financial year.

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has welcomed Norco’s announcement that it will be increasing the price it pays to local dairy producers (https://www.norco.com.au/news.php).

“I am very pleased to hear the news from Norco that it will be increasing the price it pays to farmers, but it comes with the caveat that they should ensure all dairy farmers are given the full benefit of this latest increase,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Our local dairy producers have been through a few very difficult years. Thankfully in the past 12 months the drought has broken, and we are seeing a much better environment and outlook for producers.”

Dr Gillespie said it was important processors and retailers committed to delivering stronger returns to dairy farmers to ensure their longer-term viability.

“If processors and retailers want to continue to access good, affordable and reliable local dairy products, then their investment must be focussed on ensuring their suppliers are paid a fair price for their produce,” Dr Gillespie said.   

“The Nationals in government pushed very hard for a mandatory code of conduct for the dairy industry and additional initiatives are being developed with the industry to further improve their trading environment.”

“Recently, we have also been able to secure over $266,000 in the latest funding round of the Energy Efficient Communities program to assist 15 local dairy farm operations improve infrastructure to reduce their production costs,” Dr Gillespie concluded.