The VFF team are hard at work tackling a number of issues important to Victorian farmers. Please read the below commodity issues the team can provide you with an update on:
Dairy
Dairy Code of Conduct
The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry have commenced a review of the Dairy Industry Code. The review will focus on elements of the code which impact the relationship between dairy farmers and processors. The department has released a discussion paper to facilitate consultation Important Documents | Industry comments on the operation of the Dairy Industry Code | Have Your Say – Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Submissions are due on 15 March and the VFF would like to hear from UDV members regarding their experiences with the code to inform our submission.
Livestock
Wild Dog and Dingo Protection Review
The VFF is advocating that the Victorian Government ensure the long-term continuation of the state’s Wild Dog Control program and has urged the government to ensure that baiting and trapping in the three-kilometre livestock protection buffer be extended beyond 2024. The VFF has written to the government urging it to keep dingos unprotected in Victoria. The VFF is also actively advocating that methods currently available to farmers for control of wild dogs be maintained including the use of 1080 poison.
Responses to footrot
The VFF is advocating for a national approach in combating footrot for sheep producers. The VFF has recently written to Wool Producers Australia urging them to ensure producers have the tools and education available to protect livestock from footrot. The VFF is also engaging with industry to ensure that an effective vaccine for footrot is readily available for farmers and that a standardised definition for virulent footrot be agreed between the state governments.
Grains
Wheat Port Code
The Wheat Port Code is currently being reviewed. The VFF has provided a submission to the review supporting the position taken by Grain Producers Australia. The VFF agrees that the current code is no longer fit-for-purpose given the evolution of the market since the code was introduced. However, before developing alternative oversight arrangements the VFF is arguing that there needs to be and independent examination of the Australian grains market and supply chain.
Horticulture
Primary production
In January, AgVic initiated discussions with the VFF about implementing new horticulture standards within Victoria. During the meeting, they provided background information and explained the process of implementing the new Primary Production and Processing Standard for Berries, Leafy Vegetables and Melons in Victoria. The new standards aim to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness and should be implemented by 12 February 2025. Further meetings are anticipated to discuss the implementation process. VFF members will be kept informed of developments.
Intensives (chicken meat, eggs and pigs)
Chicken Meat Code of Conduct
The NFF has released an interim report exploring the potential for a code of conduct to increase market transparency and competition in Australian poultry meat supply chains Interim-Report-Exploring-the-potential-for-a-Code-of-Conduct-to-increase-price-transparency-and-competition-in-Australian-poul.pdf (nff.org.au). The VFF has provided a submission on the interim report supporting the need for a mandatory code of conduct for the industry.
Parliamentary Inquiry into Pig Welfare
The VFF has provided its submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Economy and Infrastructure Committee on the inquiry into pig welfare in Victoria. The VFF worked closely with key industry stakeholders on the submission, which can be accessed on the VFF’s website.