Drought plan must support fragile sector

By Ben Bennett, President, Australian Dairy Farmers

Dairy farmers in south-west Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania know all too well the immense challenge drought presents to the industry.

In these parts of the world, particularly south-west Victoria where farmers are battling the driest season on record, farmers are struggling.

So Australian Dairy Farmers' (ADF) recent joint submission to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's (DAFF) consultation on the Australian Government Drought Plan is well timed.

Of course, the submission won't make it rain and won't deliver immediate change. But it does push to address the needs of dairy farmers.

Supporting the strong submission by the NFF, and prepared in conjunction with Dairy Australia, it calls for a number of essential changes to safeguard the dairy industry's future.

Clear criteria in drought phases

One of the primary changes we outlined as important is the establishment of clear criteria for transitioning between the phases of the drought cycle.

The ambiguity around current definitions leaves a lot to be desired.

In south-west Victoria, farmers are experiencing the driest season on record yet aren't considered to be in "drought".

The lack of adequate recognition of the situation makes it too easy for governments and other institutions to believe it's "business as usual".

By specifying the environmental, economic, and social indicators that trigger each phase of the drought cycle, the government can ensure timely and consistent responses.

Recognising drought as a natural disaster

The submission strongly argues for the recognition of drought as a natural disaster.

Unlike other natural disasters, drought is a slow-onset event, but its impact on the dairy industry is no less devastating.

Dairy farming is uniquely fragile due to the high water and feed requirements of dairy cattle.

Establishing a threshold for recognising drought as a natural disaster would enable the provision of appropriate support to maintain animal welfare and milk production.

This change is crucial for preventing long-term productivity losses and ensuring the economic viability of the sector.

Emphasising evidence-based decision-making

Our submission emphasises the need for evidence-based decision-making in the government's drought response.

The current approach lacks specific details on how government actions will be triggered by varying levels of drought severity.

By providing concrete examples and scenarios, the government can enhance transparency and preparedness.

This approach will also build trust with farmers.

Clarity on government support

We called for greater clarity on the specific actions the government will take during the 'responding' phase of the drought cycle.

Currently, the plan indicates that support is available at any time but lacks details on immediate measures to be implemented when drought conditions are identified.

Clear communication of these actions will help farmers understand what to expect and how to access the necessary support.

This transparency is vital for reducing the stress and uncertainty that farmers face during drought periods.

Enhancing coordination with state and territory support

Improved coordination between federal and state-level support is another critical change we proposed.

The current lack of coordination can lead to confusion and inefficiencies in drought relief efforts. This leaves farmers frustrated as they struggle to identify the right contacts and the appropriate times to discuss their situation.

By aligning federal and state measures, the government can ensure a more cohesive and effective response.

This coordination should also extend to the private sector, particularly the finance and banking industries, to ensure that support measures are timely and consistent across all levels.

Regular review and adaptation

The submission highlights the importance of incorporating mechanisms for regular review and adaptation of the drought plan.

Climate change is an evolving challenge, and the plan must remain relevant to address its impacts effectively.

Establishing a drought management advisory group could facilitate continuous assessment and adjustment of the plan based on new data and emerging trends.

This proactive approach will enhance the resilience and sustainability of the dairy industry in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Pushing for action

The changes proposed are not just recommendations; they are essential steps towards securing the future of the Australian dairy industry.

They reflect critical components of a robust drought plan.

Implementing these changes and those highlighted by the NFF, will provide the dairy industry with the support it needs to navigate the challenges of drought, ensuring its resilience and sustainability for generations to come.

Caption: ADF hosted Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, at president Ben Bennett's farm in early October.

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