“People now get just how underpaid our farmers are…”
The Queensland Dairy Organisation is calling on Aussies to support a 10 cent per litre milk levy in order to assist farmers struggling with grain and fodder cost in wake of the extreme droughts.
The petition, posted on change.org, calls for the levy to be imposed through major supermarkets – Woolworths and Coles.
In the past, farmers have often raised issue with the small profit they are making in the dairy industry, with milk selling for just $1 a litre.
“People now get just how underpaid our farmers are and have shown that they want to do something to help,” QDO president Brian Tessmann said in a statement.
Initially, both supermarkets were adamant, however according to The Courier Mail, Woolworths has now agreed to the levy.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud told the Nine Network that the process can only begin if Coles jumps on board.
“On Saturday, I spoke to the CEO of Woolworths, who indicated to me their willingness to support the levy as well, so long as all the supermarkets came on that journey and I thank Woolworths for their leadership on that,” he said.
“I’ve subsequently spoken to the Coles CEO who has indicated to me he’s a little bit more circumspect about it, he is concerned about a 10c levy and the pressures on households that would raise, so we are waiting to hear back from Coles, but Woolworths has indicated that they are prepared to come on the journey with us.”
Click here to sign the petition.
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Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Getty
