Fonterra announces Victorian flood support package

Fonterra today announced details of a comprehensive support package to help flood-affected dairy farmers in northern Victoria, including a $50,000 donation to the Victorian Farmers Federation Disaster Relief Fund.

“We have been carefully monitoring the flood situation in northern Victoria and staying in close contact with our farmer suppliers and manufacturing site personnel in affected regions,” said Heather Stacy, National Milk Services Manager.

“Our first priority has been the safety of our people. The good news is that our are safe and there has been no direct impact to our manufacturing sites.

“However, the floods have caused some challenges and disruption to Fonterra’s milk collection and about 30 of our farmer suppliers in the region have been affected through the loss of feed and crops, and damage to laneways and infrastructure.

“Our tanker drivers are doing an exceptional job of collecting milk in these difficult conditions, and we are very pleased with the way they are supporting each other to keep safe while out on the road.

“We realise farmers are feeling pressure and need support at this time, especially because the flood damage comes on the back of severe drought conditions and the recent plague locusts. With that in mind, our primary focus is to help flood-affected farmers get back on their feet, which is why we have developed this support package,” Ms Stacy said.

Fonterra’s support package includes:

• Access to interest free loans to help cover the cost of purchasing feed
• Paying for milk even when we have been unable to get tankers in to collect it
• Providing a rebate to farmers who undertake herd testing
• Providing technical on-farm support to assist with milk quality and animal health issues
• Engaging with the industry to help farmers access support services

In addition to this package, Fonterra has also donated $50,000 to the Victorian Farmers Federation Disaster Relief Fund. This is being earmarked to specifically assist flood-affected dairy farmers in Victoria through the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria (UDV).

Fonterra is also supplying daily deliveries of yoghurt to the Red Cross relief centre in Echuca for people evacuated from the Echuca and Rochester townships.

“Our hearts go out to all those people and communities impacted during this very difficult time,” said Ms Stacy.

Queensland Flood Update

Fonterra has a limited milk production footprint in the flood affected areas of Queensland. However, we have a significant presence through our field sales team, supermarket customers, foodservice customers and franchisees who distribute milk.

Fonterra is working with its customers, industry partners and welfare agencies to do all it can to help get essential dairy supplies to people who need them.

Fonterra has made a donation of A$100,000 to the Premier’s Relief Fund and A$50,000 to the Queensland Dairy Organisation. In addition, we are producing a special run of 150,000 litres of UHT milk which we are shipping to Foodbank in Brisbane, who will then distribute directly to those in need, as well as to other welfare agencies.