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Embattled Australian dairy farmers welcome assistance from Federal government

Xinhua, May 26, 2016 Adjust font size:

Embattled Australian dairy farmers have welcomed an assistance package announced by the Federal government.

The package announced on Wednesday includes loans of up to 1 million Australian dollars or 50 percent of the existing commercial debt of the business over 10 years as well as a number of other measures.

Aussie Farmers Direct, a company that sells food from farmers straight to the doors of consumers has seen a significant jump in online traffic since dairy farmers urged the public to help their cause.

"As the current dairy crisis has unfolded, the dairy industry has urged Australians to support farmers by not buying 1 Australian dollar per liter supermarket housebrand milk, and instead choosing branded milk that puts more money back into the dairy supply chain," Aussie Farmers Direct chief executive Keith Louie said in a statement on Thursday.

"That call has seen thousands of shoppers get in touch with us, as they know that we are a business that's built on supporting farmers."

It follows news that in May alone, Australia's two largest dairy companies, Murray Goulburn and Fonterra both cut farmgate milk prices, sparking fears many local dairy producers in Australia could go broke.

In announcing the assistance package, Federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce ruled out a milk levy and re-regulation of the dairy industry.

He noted, however, it was an absurdity that Australia has milk priced at one dollar per liter and water that is dearer. Endit