23 May 2002
Dairy Farmers of New Zealand (DFNZ) and the Sharemilkers Council are encouraging farmers to vote in favour of Dairy
Insight and the Industry Good levy, says DFNZ Chair Charlie Pedersen.
"Industry good research is currently delivered through the dairy companies, which was previously funded by farmers
through the Dairy Board," said Mr Pedersen. "So this is not anything new."
"Initially the levy funding will be used to continue existing activities. With Dairy Insight and its Farmer
Representative Board of Directors, dairy farmers will now have better input into what future activities will be funded.
"This is an important opportunity for dairy farmers to ensure that the future of their industry is secure - because
industry good activities such as research and development, education, promotion and disease eradication are essential to
the New Zealand industry's competitiveness in world markets.
"If New Zealand is to remain a leader in an increasingly competitive global market place, dairy farmers must support
continued development of its industry. This is not the time for apathy and therefore DFNZ encourages farmers to vote on
the issue."
May 31 is the deadline for farmers to vote on the Dairy Insight Industry Good levy.
ENDS