A historic agreement has been struck to secure Victoria’s position as home to some of the world’s most cutting edge scientific research for dairy farmers.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford and Dairy Australia Chairman Geoff Akers today announced joint State Government and Dairy Australia funding for DairyBio – a research initiative that will deliver new innovations in forages and dairy herd genetic improvement.
The move by the Andrews Labor Government to partner with the national Research and Development Corporation for the dairy industry, by jointly investing $45 million over 5 years in a strategic partnership for innovation in dairy bioscience, will drive ongoing improvement in productivity and profitability for this crucial sector.
Dairy bioscience continues to provide the best option to substantially improve the key resources of pasture feedbase and herd quality for the dairy industry to increase yield and the productivity of cows.
Building on dairy bioscience developments achieved by the Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre, this new initiative ensures excellent work by scientists at the AgriBio facility at Bundoora will continue to deliver maximum impact for Victoria’s dairy industry.
This investment demonstrates Victoria’s strong credentials on build strategic partnerships for innovation in agriculture.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“The investment in DairyBio will generate an estimated $2.5 billion over 25 years in nation-wide returns for producers with economic benefits including jobs in regional communities.”
“There is no doubt that this historic agreement again highlights how integral Victoria is to Australia’s $13 billion dairy industry. DairyBio is a win for farmers but of course the benefits of this joint initiative will be felt right through the dairy industry which employs thousands and exports billions.”
“Victoria’s dairy sector is mature, well organised, internationally competitive and accounts for approximately 85 per cent of Australia’s dairy product exports, today worth over $2 billion.”
Quotes attributable to Dairy Australia Chair Geoff Akers
“Cutting-edge research is crucial if Australia’s dairy farmers are to continue building profitable and sustainable businesses long into the future, and I am delighted the research investment announced today will generate returns for dairy farmers and the broader industry over the next 25 years.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021