The umbrella body, the VFF, has called for nominations for the UDV Policy Council.
The organisation has to fill the role of UDV president and other positions representing the regions of Northern (formally UDV Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4), Gippsland (formally UDV Regions 5, 6 and 7) and South West (formally UDV Regions 8, 9 and 10).
VFF chief executive officer and returning officer Brendan Tatham urged the VFF’s UDV members passionate about the future of Victoria’s dairy industry to nominate and give a voice to local issues impacting dairy farmers.
“Victoria is the nation’s dairying powerhouse and the industry is facing a host of challenges including impending changes to animal welfare laws, serious biosecurity threats, competition amongst the processors and changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan,” Mr Tatham said.
“It is important that dairy farmers have a united policy council that represents grass roots VFF UDV members and that we get on with the job of advocacy.”
Nominations opened on Friday, October 13 and close Monday, October 23.
All voting members of the VFF UDV are eligible to nominate for office and support a nomination for office. An election will be held if more than one nomination is received.
The new Dairy Farmers Victoria has established associate membership for industry supporters and service providers.
Dairy Farmers Victoria member Aaron Thomas from Won Wron said service providers and industry partners were critical to the continued operation of dairy farms and the industry.
“Whether they be refrigeration mechanics, silage contractors, accountants or milk processors, we couldn’t operate without their involvement,” Mr Thomas said.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement we have received from many across the industry and we have heard their calls to become members.”
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