Poll concludes no change to dairy levy

The poll presented farmers an opportunity to vote on investment in the industry's future with four voting options, determined by an independent Levy Poll Advisory Committee.

Dairy Australia was notified by the independent company engaged to conduct the vote - Link Market Services, 'no change' to the levy was preferred among farmers, receiving 64 per cent of the votes.

This outcome was also supported by good participation, with 44pc of all eligible votes cast.

Additional details of the results can be found at dairypoll.com.au.

Dairy Australia's chair, SA dairyfarmer James Mann, says, "We thank all farmers and people across the industry that have been part of this important process to determine the future investment in the industry".

"Thanks also to the Levy Poll Advisory Committee, who gave a great deal of time and effort to determine the voting options," he said.

"Our collective funds play an important role in delivering services that individual farmers cannot deliver alone - whether that's research in feed or genetics, or how we respond to challenges such as labour and natural disasters - your contribution will continue to make a big difference for our industry."

Dairy Australia's managing director David Nation said they value and appreciate every dollar of the dairy levy, and will continue to invest it in ways that deliver tangible benefits to farmers.

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"It was also pleasing to see 36pc voted for an increase in levy, indicating support for the key areas identified for continuing investment - labour, regional services, climate and policy development - which are critical for our industry's long-term success," he said.

"We will need to consider how we address these key areas and now work to prioritise investment and services with these areas in mind, along with our current investment mix."

SA Dairyfarmers' Association chief executive officer Andrew Curtis said they were really pleased to see that there had been such a strong turnout for the vote.

"It's good all sides have a clear direction, nearly two thirds of people have said they want to remain with the levy as it is," he said.

"And that gives surety for Dairy Australia and the industry generally, to go forward knowing what they've got and knowing what they're working towards.

"There will be some opportunities for Dairy Australia to now plan around that reality in terms of where their investments are and what will best meet the industry.

"SADA will be working closely with them to shape their future investments."

These investments include research and innovation, supporting farm business management, responding to events such as drought, bushfires, floods or COVID-19, developing tools to adapt to the environment and address climate, supporting on-farm employment needs, marketing of dairy products and commitment to sustainability, policy research, industry insights and international market programs.