· Kirin revises up its earnings, noting dairy costs have eased
· Concerns the company isn’t aware of the impact National Foods prices are having on Tasmanian dairy farmers
· State Government still missing in action on dairy crisis
The Japanese conglomerate that owns National Foods, Kirin, recently revised upwards its net income earnings for 2009 to 60 billion yen, or about $750 million.
That’s up on the previous forecast if 57 billion yen; and in its June 30 financial results, the company notes that raw dairy input prices have eased.
Yet despite Fonterra yesterday offering struggling dairy farmers a small milk price rise, National Foods has indicated it won’t be moving on the slashed milk price it is paying Tasmanian dairy farmers this year.
The Tasmanian Liberals have written to Kirin to clearly spell out the devastating impact the reduced price is having on our dairy farmers. We have also urged Kirin to reconsider the price it is offering Tasmanian farmers, noting the company’s statements that it considers Corporate Social Responsibility integral to its business.
We will also continue to campaign for the State Government to provide some assistance to help farmers during this difficult time – with support for a dairy fighting fund and awareness campaign; subsidies or loans for fodder and veterinary assistance, and counselling support.
Labor has shown how Hobart-centric and out of touch it is with its failure to help our dairy industry during this severe and growing crisis.
Jeremy Rockliff MP Deputy Leader of the State Opposition
