The launch of WAFarmersFirst Milk in November 2014 signaled a change to the way consumers could support the Western Australian dairy industry, with the producers now set to reap the rewards of the initiative.
Applications are soon to be called inviting industry to access the project fund, which has been accrued through the sale of two litre bottles of full cream and hilo milk at Coles Supermarkets over the past 12 months.
WAFarmers Dairy Council President Phil Depiazzi said the funds were now at a level that would support a number of short, medium and long term projects across the dairy industry.
“Sales have continued to steadily increase since the launch one year ago, recently exceeding the 700,000 litre mark which is a significant result,” Mr Depiazzi said.
“From these sales, a percentage goes directly into the fund which is now available to people with an interest in the WA dairy industry, thus putting proceeds back into the industry.”
Applications are welcome from all sectors of the dairy industry, and will be assessed by the Dairy Industry Fund Independent Selection Committee comprising of respected and passionate advocates for the dairy industry: John Guimelli, John Lucey, and Dean Maughan.
To ensure applicants have the best chance at securing funding, which is capped at $20,000, applicants are encouraged to fully address the selection criteria, which can be found on the WAFarmers website.
“The development of this fund will open up many exciting opportunities for dairy related projects which aim to improve productivity, performance, business growth and diversity of the WA dairy industry and any part of its supply chain,” Mr Depiazzi said.
“WAFarmers is overwhelmed by the support of consumers towards this initiative, which has seen them use their buying power to make a difference to the future of the state’s agriculture industry, and urges more consumers to show their appreciation for the farmers who work tirelessly to support their own farms and the industry as a whole.”
The product is processed and packaged by Parmalat in Western Australia under a special licensing agreement.
WAFarmersFirst Milk can be found in Coles Supermarkets in the dairy aisle. Invitations for project applications will open early December.
ENDS.
All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].
