Dahlsen Plan: Trade in old approach for new dairy future

A former World Trade Organisation director, a former World Bank supremo and a business veteran have teamed up to provide a new way for the dairy sector.

Ian Morris, Gary Sampson, John Dahlsen are touring south-west Victoria regarding their plan to improve the dairy sector. Maddie and Todd Leddin hosted them on their Toolong dairy farm, with their children Darcy (on tractor), Hamish and Violet. Picture- Nicole Cleary

One of Australia’s top trade experts has taken the case for dairy export reform to the heart of the Trade Minister’s electorate.

Former World Trade Organisation director Gary Sampson was a keynote speaker alongside veteran businessman John Dahlsen in a southwest Victorian tour last week.

The dairy duo addressed a Warrnambool meeting and met with young farmers Todd and Maddie Leddin at their Toolong property to discuss the Dahlsen Plan, which calls for a 40c/litre levy on fresh milk.

“One third of dairy production in Australia is exported. In southwest Victoria, that figure is 62 per cent. So the work of the WTO is enormously consequential for dairy,” Prof Sampson said.

“(The dairy sector) needs to work in a coherent manner to make sure the federal government is appropriately defending our interests in having a level playing field on world trade.”

Mr Dahlsen, a former Woolworths chairman, has called for federal leaders including Agriculture Minister David Littleproud and Trade Minister Dan Tehan to consider his plan to provide financial stability to the dairy sector.

“My concern is that unless WTO rules are strengthened to help countries like Australia, our farmers will remain disadvantaged enormously - particularly dairy,” Mr Dahlsen said.

“Since 2000, dairy farms (across Australia) have reduced by 77 per cent, whilst cattle and sheep farms reduced by 44 per cent and 29 per cent respectively. Similarly, revenue has changed, dairy farming is up just 57 per cent and cattle and sheep up by 151 per cent and 121 per cent respectively.”

Also taking part in the Dahlsen tour was Cobden dairy farmer Ian Morris.

Mr Morris is running for the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria vice presidency against Colac region farmer Mark Billing.

The two candidates took part in an online debate on Monday and expressed support for the Dahlsen plan.

Mr Morris, a former World Bank economist, said: “The Dahlsen plan provides a way forward for the dairy industry. Our dairy leaders need not only to consider it in detail but work with bureaucracy and government to improve the position of dairy.”

Mr Billing said: “Do I support the Dahlsen plan— in principle, yes. Anything that gets more money in farmer’s pockets has to got to be a good thing,” Mr Billing said.

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