Woolworths will continue to sell its Drought Relief Milk on the eastern seaboard for up to six more months while it works with the dairy industry on longer-term measures.
The limited-edition range first hit the shelves in October last year and was expected to be available until at least January 2019.
The additional 10 cents on Woolworths Full Cream and Woolworths Lite Milk varieties is distributed in full to drought-affected dairy farmers.
Dairy Connect CEO and NSW drought relief committee member Shaughn Morgan said the extension is great news for dairy producers.
“We’re grateful Woolworths has listened to Dairy Connect’s representations on behalf of dairy producers at this time of year and extended the sale of their drought relief milk range,” Morgan said.
“Our farmer members have used the Woolies’ drought relief funds during the past three or four months to underpin the cost of buying-in fodder for their cows. This has allowed some producers to slow the process of destocking that had been brought about by dwindling fodder supplies on dairy farms.”
This particular drought relief effort by the supermarket giant has so far provided $3.1 million in payments to drought-affected dairy farmers across NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
Woolworths fresh food director Paul Harker said it was clear the effects of drought remain significant for dairy farmers.
“Millions of our customers have chosen to support the Drought Relief Milk effort and we’re pleased it’s delivering much needed financial relief at the farmgate,” Harker said.
“We know it remains a short-term measure for drought. We want to find a pathway to a more sustainable dairy industry over the long term and will be engaging closely with industry to this end over the coming months.”
