The Australian dairy industry has convened a National Response Group to help shape its response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Australian Dairy Industry Council said a united voice was important, as well as someone to provide guidance to the federal and state governments.
A statement from ADIC said providing a safe work environment for all workers in the dairy supply chain remained a priority for the sector.
"Dairy manufacturers and farmers, together others in the supply chain, have been working to keep milk flowing and on shelves without risking the health of dairy people," it said.
The whole of industry working group includes representatives from Australian Dairy Farmers, Australian Dairy Products Federation and Dairy Australia.
"As containment measures around Australia continue to escalate, governments have acknowledged that food and agriculture businesses, including dairy and all supply components, are essential services and are implementing measures to keep supply chains operating," the statement said.
"COVID-19 presents challenges for all agricultural sectors and the working group is responding to issues as they emerge by developing industry specific advice to support dairy businesses."
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Some issues identified include how to milk cows while maintain social distancing, managing staff movements on and off farm, addressing potential supply issues and protocols for managing milk production.
Resources are available at the industry's Dairy Industry COVID-19 Directory pages online.
The ADIC has also written to all federal and state agriculture and health ministers for their support to ensure dairy operations across Australia remain open during escalating restrictions, as well as working with the National Farmers' Federation and other organisations to ensure that all agriculture and food production is protected as an essential service.
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