New ray of hope for Tasmanian agriculture

Greens Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran today said rural communities right across Tasmania should take heart from the recent good news in the north-west Tasmanian dairy industry.

Mr O’Halloran said investment in a multimillion dollar co-operative milk processing factory at Smithton is a perfect example of how smart entrepreneurialism, initiative and innovation can bring new hope to a regional community.

“I believe it’s a sign of the good things to come for the agricultural industry right across Tasmania,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“This is the first clear example of a Tasmanian rural community that’s begun to transition out of the economic difficulties of the post global financial crisis period.”

“The past few years have been horrific for many Circular Head dairy farmers, who have struggled to break even because of the unacceptably low milk prices being paid by the two major milk buyers, Fonterra and National Foods.”

“Now the farmers have another choice about who they sell milk to, and, what’s better is that it’s a co-operative business model that puts power back in the hands of producers.”

“The Greens took a policy to the last election to provide financial and logistical assistance to new co-operatives, to help workers and local businesses take back control and responsibility for their economic future, and we stand by that policy.”

“This project is also a perfect example of the types of projects that could benefit from the Federal Government regional assistance money that will flow from the Forests Intergovernmental Agreement.”

However, Mr O’Halloran cautioned that powdered milk can be a volatile market, and called for efforts to protect against any future market downturn.

“We’re urging the State Government to work closely with Tasmanian Dairy Products to create strong brand integrity so that consumers know they’re buying a high quality Tasmanian dairy product.”