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The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Chairman Wes Judd today welcomed the recent announcement by Minister Burke that an enquiry into Research and Development Corporations (RDC’s) in Australia would be established.

Mr Judd said, “The importance of the Federal Government’s support for research, development, innovation and extension in Australia’s agricultural industries through the Rural Research and Development Corporations cannot be overestimated. This co-funded arrangement is critical to the ongoing improvement in adaptation and productivity on-farm as we face continuing uncertainty in markets and climate, and increased competition from protected markets overseas. The Minister’s comments are a call to reaffirm the need for both industry and Government to work collaboratively and jointly fund key research and development targeting short and long-term productivity gains for dairy”.

“The dairy industry will work with the Government to ensure the intent of this enquiry reaches its conclusion in a fair and considered way and knowing all the facts. We believe this enquiry will provide an opportunity for both our agricultural industry and Government to further fine tune and enhance the delivery model to ensure the maximum return to levy payers, Government and the community.”

Mr Judd said, “The dairy industry – through it’s collaboration between ADIC and Dairy Australia – has had an excellent working relationship that has delivered timely and responsive Research and Development (R&D) outcomes right along the dairy value chain, but particularly on farm. As a result we have seen per farm and per cow production consistently rise over a long period of time”.

“As new and developing markets emerge, we need to be in the best possible position to take advantage of this market growth and ensure our competitive advantages are maintained – a strong R & D program can deliver that edge.

ADIC looks forward to the opportunity to help develop the terms of reference for the enquiry and intend to cooperate fully throughout the process. I urge all parties to let this enquiry take its course and look forward to the outcomes.