|
|
|
Nationals ministers woo dairy farmers
30 Jul 2004
Senior Nationals ministers want the Federal Government to change competition laws, which would allow dairy farmers to bargain collectively on a statewide basis with processors and retailers over milk prices. The proposal would squeeze the middle operators but mean higher incomes for farmers.
Trade Minister and Nationals deputy leader Mark Vaile wants to address falling farm-gate prices by boosting dairy farmers' bargaining powers in their negotiations with National Foods, Dairy Farmers and Parmalat Australia. Mr Vaile said farmers should get part of the Government's 11 cents-a-litre levy on retail milk sales when it expires, rather than the benefits of the full 11 cents being passed on to consumers, retailers or processors.
The Nationals' stance is likely to be resisted by the Federal Treasurer, as well as dairy processors and big retailers.
Australian Financial Review, 30/7/04.
|
|
