NSW Farmers issues ultimatum to Australian Dairy Farmers group

Three state farmer bodies have issued the national dairy farming group an ultimatum, saying they will leave unless the organisation shapes up.

Three state farming lobbies are threatening to resign from Australian Dairy Farmers unless the organisation shapes up.

NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin has sent a letter to the ADF on behalf of his group as well as the South Australian Dairyfarmers Association and the WA Farmers dairy committee.

In the correspondence seen by The Weekly Times, Mr Martin writes the three farm lobby groups will withdraw from the ADF network within 12 months following frustrations over internal communications.

“This decision was not made lightly and follows repeated attempts to resolve practical issues that have impacted ADF’s ability to effectively advocate for farmers on a national level,” the letter reads.

The three-state ultimatum is the latest in a series of troubles for ADF, with a long-running dispute with the Victorian Farmers Federation – which has already resigned from the ADF – heading to court in November.

According to a writ lodged in May, the ADF is pursuing the VFF for outstanding membership payments dating back to October 2022, totalling $657,066.

The VFF’s failure to pay the invoices follows the state farming organisation’s letter of resignation from the ADF, which it says was sent in October 2022.

When contacted by The Weekly Times, Mr Martin said NSW Farmers was in the process of “reviewing and renewing” its national advocacy.

Earlier this year, NSW Farmers gave notice to the Australian Chicken Growers Council that it would be handing in its membership following a steep rise in fees.

“We have a strong desire to work in good faith to improve national advocacy outcomes, but we cannot ignore the impact of adverse decisions at a federal level on farmers,” Mr Martin said.

Mr Martin would not be drawn on what the issues with ADF were.

It is believed Tas Farmers was also considering giving up its ADF membership, but a spokesman said: “Our position is we’re retaining our membership”.

An ADF spokesman said the organisation noted the correspondence from three of its state members.

“The ADF understands and recognises some members are frustrated with some issues in the current advocacy environment. This is not unique to dairy,” the spokesman said.

“We are pleased that the members have expressed a desire to continue to work together with ADF moving forward.

“We continue to work with these groups in good faith regarding their membership.

“For that reason, we believe it is inappropriate to comment further on these discussions at this point in time.”