mmg.com.au

The organiser of the dairy crisis meeting this week at Tongala has appealed for farmer support for the event.

‘‘We’re looking for farmer input,’’ Farmer Power northern co-ordinator Nigel Hicks said earlier this week.

‘‘We hope people will turn out and demonstrate that there are some major issues for the dairy industry that need to be addressed.

‘‘Numbers will make an impact on the powers that be.

‘‘I think a lot of people sat up and noticed when they had the big meeting near Warrnambool,’’ Mr Hicks said, referring to a meeting attended by about 600 people.

He also urged businesses connected with rural areas to send a representative, as Farmer Power considered the milk price was having an effect on the whole community.

‘‘Our view is that it’s not just a farmer issue; it’s for the food factory workers, people at the feed store. We want to send a message to industry leaders and governments.’’

At the top of the list of the issues will be the milk price, but Farmer Power also wants to see fairness in trading of Australian foods, more government support for the industry, and a review of structures representing dairy farmers.

The public meeting, to be held at the Tongala Shire Hall at 10.30am on Wednesday, February 13, will be addressed by Senator Barnaby Joyce, food campaigner Dick Smith, Lynne Wilkinson from Ausbuy and Kyabram businessman Robert Danieli.

Mr Hicks said question time would be provided and people from the floor would be able to make short statements.

Tongala Lions Club will provide some food and tea and coffee for purchase, and the meeting is expected to wind up about 1pm.