!!!February 15, 2024
Locally owned and independent
The Northern Rivers Times
RURAL NEWS 33
Coles Empowers Dairy Farmers with $1.45M in Grants for Sustainable Farming Coles is championing sustainability in the dairy industry with the introduction of the Dairy Farm Sustainability Accelerator Fund, which will see 100 Coles dairy farms across Australia sharing in $1.45 million in grants. These grants, totalling up to $50,000 each, have been allocated to Coles’ direct sourcing dairy farmers to drive innovation and finance projects aimed at enhancing animal welfare, implementing solar energy solutions, and improving infrastructure. Brad Gorman, Coles General Manager Dairy, Freezer, and Convenience, expressed Coles’ commitment to supporting its direct sourcing dairy farmers in their pursuit of sustainable farming practices and innovation. Coles directly contracts with farms in Victoria, Southern New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and
Tasmania, supplying over 490 million litres of milk annually for Coles Brand Fresh milk and Coles Brand cheese. Gorman highlighted the diverse range of farmer-led projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing soil quality, managing water resources, promoting biodiversity, and improving animal welfare. Coles anticipates significant positive
outcomes from these initiatives and is eager to witness their impact on the environment and farm operations. Among the grant recipients, Benjamin and Melissa Holloway, Victorian Coles dairy farmers, plan to utilize the funds to install an 80kw solar roof system on their farm in Victoria’s southwest. This addition to their existing solar infrastructure will
significantly increase their clean energy capacity by an additional 106,000kw per year, further reducing their carbon footprint and reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. Similarly, the Parkinson family, another recipient of Coles’ grants, intends to construct a 100ML mega dam on one of their properties in Victoria. This initiative reflects
their commitment to sustainable farming practices and will ensure water security throughout the summer and autumn months. Other projects supported by Coles include the development of shade shelters and tree shelter belts in Western Australia, the construction of a methane catchment pond in Western Victoria, the installation
of touch screens for herd management in southwest Victoria, irrigation system upgrades in Western Australia, and the installation of additional rainwater tanks in New South Wales. The Coles Sustainable Dairy Development Group (CSDDG) plays a crucial role in supporting direct supplying dairy farmers in their journey towards sustainability. To date, the CSDDG has invested over $3.78 million in on-farm initiatives, including farmer education, training, and initiatives focused on improving herd health and milk quality. Coles remains committed to fostering sustainability within the dairy industry and supporting its dairy farmers in implementing innovative and environmentally friendly practices for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Statement on the MV Bahijah livestock vessel Comments attributable to NFF President, David Jochinke The situation surrounding the MV Bahijah livestock vessel is an extraordinary and complex situation that must carefully consider the health and wellbeing of the animals, Australia’s biosecurity status, export legislation and international trading partners. There are processes
that must be followed and external complexities that must be considered, but we must now see a timely resolution to this matter. In light of misinformation being purported, it is however especially important to highlight key facts with respect to animal welfare arrangements on
the vessel. As advised by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: • The exporter’s registered veterinarian has remained on board the vessel throughout the entire time, • The Department has engaged two veterinarians who have
inspected the livestock and vessel, • Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Beth Cookson is closely monitoring the situation; and • Dr. Cookson has advised “the livestock are in good condition and have appropriate care and supervision”. Australian producers
place the upmost importance on the welfare of animals, and Australia holds the highest standard of welfare both at home and in the export markets and this situation demonstrates just how this works in practice. The NFF strongly supports the oversight
and processes of Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer. The NFF does not support calls for the Minister for Agriculture’s resignation. In fact, we hope this situation demonstrates how robust Australia’s live export system is with animal welfare at the forefront.
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