WHOROULY South dairy farmer Jon Pethybridge believes the establishment of a new dairy lobby group is a positive move for the industry within Victoria.
He has thrown his support behind Dairy Farmers Victoria, which has gone from strength to strength since registering with Consumer Affairs Victoria in July and recently launching a website and membership drive.
Amid months of internal and external turmoil for the VFF, a majority of council members from its commodity group United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) have departed and now joined DFV, including former UDV president Mark Billings, who said dairy farmers weren't getting value for membership dollars at UDV.
For Mr Pethybridge, joining the new DFV is about local representation.
"I recognise that while we are one industry, the issues that arise in our region vary from others within Victoria and we believe its vital for a prosperous future of dairy to have local advocacy in each region of Victoria," he said.
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"Just as it is important that we have a clear voice for dairy in the state, it is important that the concerns of the North East valleys are also heard.
"The impact of both seasonal conditions and climate change varies across Victoria and it is important that as an industry association we are across these variations."
Mr Pethybridge said the feedback he had received from locals on the new DFV had been "incredibly positive and very supportive".
“We currently have 800 members who now feel confident and have a greater support network through the DFV," he said.
“This move is in the best interest for dairy farmers and the industry alike.
“The DFV, although in infant stage, is making great headway and I feel we are more engaged with farmers who feel there are a lot more benefits for the industry."
For more details go to www.dairyfarmersvictoria.org.au and for regional representatives contact 0419 037 569.
