A review of the dairy service levy is held every five years and provides an important opportunity for farmers to have a say in the future of the levy.
A new Levy Poll Advisory Committee (LPAC) is being formed that has the responsibility to review the levy, which funds services provided by Dairy Australia to the Australian dairy industry.
This committee will be made up of a majority of dairy farmers and nominations are now open.
The LPAC is responsible for determining whether the dairy levy should be increased, remain the same or be reduced.
A levy poll is required if a change to the levy is recommended.
LPAC's formation has commenced with the appointment of Ron Storey as independent chair of the committee.
Mr Storey is an experienced agribusiness executive and non-executive director.
He is chairman of the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre and a former chairman of Pulse Australia Limited.
During his executive career he was head of NZX Agribusiness Australia, managing director of Australian Crop Forecasters and general manager marketing, AWB Ltd.
Mr Storey said it is imperative that the committee comprises a reflective mix of levy payers from around the country.
"The Levy Poll Advisory Committee plays a vital role in determining the level of funding required to support the long term research, development and extension strategy of Australia's dairy industry," he said.
"Its decision will have broad-reaching implications for the future of dairy farming and the broader industry.
"It is farmers' own money being invested, so I encourage all dairy farmers who pay the levy to consider nominating for this committee and ensure that the views of farmers around the country are represented."
Nominations should be submitted via email to enquiries@dairylevyreview.com.au by April 1, 2021.
Information for prospective candidates is available via at www.dairylevyreview.com.au.
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