Dairy inquiry arrives in SA

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inquiry into the dairy industry concludes its public forums next week with the second last event at the Hahndorf Football Club from 11.30am.

ACCC agricultural commissioner Mick Keogh has encouraged farmers to attend to share any concerns they may have about competition and fair trading at a series of public forums around the country.

He said these forums throughout the country had led to a real understanding of the specific concerns of the industry, including distinct issues from different regions.

“There is real value in what we’ve seen at these meetings,” he said.

“Quite a number of the commissioners have found this personal interaction very important.”

He said there had been good response from the regions.

“We’ve been quite surprised,” he said.

“We had up to 200 dairyfarmers at meetings, which, given the number of dairyfarmers, is quite a good response.

“It does underline the continuing concerns of the dairyfarmers.”

Mr Keogh said they were interested in hearing from farmers on a range of topics, including options for selling milk in different regions, the transparency of how farm gate milk prices are calculated, and contracting practices in the industry.

He said the support of the industry in this inquiry was key.

“I don’t think we could do this process without the direct input of those who have been affected,” he said.

“People shouldn’t worry if they haven’t registered, we’re quite used to catering for more people.”

Those who are unable to attend are still encouraged to have their say at  dairyinquiry@accc.gov.au or on 02 6243 1280.