A group of around 20 Mid North Coast dairy farmers met with the Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud yesterday afternoon.
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Mr Littleproud visited a number of agriculture businesses during his time in the region, including Brett and Sue McGinn's dairy farm near Gladstone, where he addressed the issue of milk prices and spoke to the local farmers about how this is impacting them.
"Woolworths eliminating $1 milk is a step in the right direction, but I challenge them to go further," Mr Littleproud said.
"Supermarkets have admitted to hurting the dairy industry by selling milk at such a low price, now they need to step in and fix it."
On February 19 Woolworths increased the price of milk by 10 cents per litre, the extra 10 cents guaranteed to go directly to dairy farmers in full.
Sue and her husband Brett have been running their dairy farm on Belmore River for the past 15 years and said the recent price rise is a step forward for the industry.
"A small amount means a lot to us. The money we make from the farm goes back into the local communities we live in, it doesn't just impact the farmers," Ms McGinn said.
"Our message to the Minister for Agriculture is that we're asking for a fair price, that's all we want."
The majority of dairy farmers who met with Mr Littleproud yesterday are Norco suppliers, which means they don't benefit from the 10 cents per litre price rise in the Woolworths contract.
"We have been very critical of two major supermarkets, Coles and ALDI, and are encouraging them to follow Woolworths and raise their milk prices," Mr Littleproud said.
"This will ensure all dairy farmers are being repaid for their hard work.
"All you're asking for is a fair price, and I want to make sure that you get it."
Ms McGinn said if members of the community want to support local dairy farmers, they can purchase Norco milk, but until Coles and ALDI follow Woolwoths' lead, the industry will continue to suffer.
"We really need Coles and ALDI to come to the table as well, otherwise things won't improve."
Mr Littleproud said he will be meeting with Coles in the coming weeks to push for a milk price rise.
"We're hoping Coles will come through and rise their milk prices. Coles and ALDI expect me to give them a government solution, they need to come to the table with hands on their cheque book," he said.
"There is a future in agriculture if it's fair."
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