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National Summary

The Australian dairy industry is taking the impact of COVID-19 extremely seriously.

The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has convened a National Response Group to provide guidance to federal and state governments and a united voice on behalf of the Australian dairy industry.

Providing a safe work environment for all workers in the dairy supply chain remains a priority for the dairy industry. In these challenging times, dairy manufacturers and farmers together with others in the supply chain have been working to keep milk flowing and on shelves without risking the health of dairy people.

A whole of industry working group has been collaborating to manage issues related to COVID-19 and is comprised of representatives from Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF) and Dairy Australia.

As containment measures around Australia continue to escalate, governments have acknowledged that food and agriculture businesses, including dairy and all supply components, are essential services and are implementing measures to keep supply chains operating.

COVID-19 presents challenges for all agricultural sectors and the working group is responding to issues as they emerge by developing industry specific advice to support dairy businesses. Some example include:

• How to milk cows while maintaining social distancing;
• How to manage staff coming on and off farm;
• How to address supply issues that may disrupt operations for farms and factories;
• Protocols for managing milk collection; and
• Questions consumers may have regarding the safety of dairy operations.

The ADIC has also written to all federal and state agriculture and health ministers for their support to ensure dairy operations across Australia remain open during escalating restrictions. We are working with the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and other organisations to ensure that all agriculture and food production is protected as an essential service.

ADIC Chair and ADF President Terry Richardson is available for media related to the dairy industry’s response to COVID-19.

All media queries can be directed to media@dairyaustralia.com.au or 0417 540 059.