The Hodgman Liberal Government continues to work closely with Tasmanian dairy farmers and the industry in general as it recovers from an extremely trying 2016 season towards a more optimistic 2017.
It was my pleasure today to speak at the Tasmanian Dairy Conference 2017 and repeat the message that this Government will stand side-by-side with dairy farmers in the tough times and that we also have a strong vision for the future.
Our $442 million dairy industry is one of Tasmania's great strengths supporting approximately 1400 jobs across 430 farms in regional Tasmania.
When dairy is turned into cheeses and other high value products its value rises to some $582 million, of which $156 million is exported around the globe.
As I travel around the State I see dairy farmers simply getting on with the job, because that’s what dairy farmers and farmers in general do, and pleasingly this season they have sheds full of hay and better milk prices.
I want to acknowledge the strong leadership of Dairy Tas, with support from the TFGA Dairy Council, in helping the industry-led taskforce and Government co-ordinate support for the farmers.
Our focus through these relief funds, financial counselling and flood clean-up and river rehabilitation grants is to ensure dairy farmers remain sustainable and ready to take advantage of improved market conditions.
Dairy is a pillar of Tasmanian agriculture and a vital part of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s vision to increase the value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050 – and we are on track to achieve that goal.
During 2017 we will also be working closely with farmers, researchers and agribusiness to develop a white paper: Growing Tasmanian Agriculture – Research, Development and Extension for 2050.
We greatly value our dairy farmers, and all they contribute to Tasmania, and we will continue to work with them to ensure they have a secure future.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
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