Send a tweet to China for Australian dairy farmers

Tasmanians who want to support their dairy farmers in securing a free trade agreement (FTA) with China, putting them on the same footing as NZ farmers, are being invited to tweet a selfie (post a photo of themselves on Twitter) with a message promoting the cause.

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association is backing the campaign by the Australian Dairy Farmers organisation.

“China is Australia’s largest dairy export market, worth $524 million a year. It should be a level playing field between Australian and NZ farmers, but NZ has had an FTA with China since 2008,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today.

“New Zealand dairy farmers have free access to the Chinese market; we have to pay $30 million a year in tariffs. That money should stay within the Australian economy.

“It means we are at a considerable disadvantage and that particularly affects the 43,000 people employed here in the dairy supply chain,” Ms Davis said.

“Whether you’re a dairy farmer, politician, supporter or an everyday consumer, you can help,” she said.

Selfie photos can be posted to #FTA4dairy and #FTA4farmers hashtags on Twitter.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis