Drought-affected dairy farmers can now apply for a grant from the Coles Dairy Drought Relief Fund.
Coles and its customers have already committed over $12 million to drought relief, including $5 million from the Coles Nurture Fund.
To further support Australian farmers, Coles announced in September it would increase the price of its 3L Own Brand milk from $3.00 to $3.30 in all states until the end of the year.
Coles has established the Dairy Drought Relief Fund to ensure every dollar from this increase will be donated directly to dairy farmers affected by drought.
Funds can be used for financial support to assist with feed, water and other farm improvements or relevant support services including household expenses.
Coles Chief Operating Officer Greg Davis said applications were now open for the Coles Dairy Drought Relief Fund.
"After consulting with the National Farmers Federation and other industry stakeholders, it was decided that a fair, efficient and direct way for us to distribute money to dairy farmers affected by drought was to set up the Coles Dairy Drought Relief Fund," he said.
"100% of the funds raised will go to drought-affected dairy farmers. We encourage dairy farmers to apply before November 30."
The size of the grants will be determined in accordance with the number of applications and the total amount raised from the additional 30 cents per 3 litres on sales of Coles Own Brand 3L milk between 21 September and 31 December 2018.
An application form is now available on the Coles website – www.coles.com.au - and all successful applicants will be notified by January 2019. Coles has appointed PwC as an independent auditor to oversee the application administration process and verify that funds have been allocated to drought-affected dairy farmers as committed.
