The state's peak agricultural body says dairy farmers will continue to have a strong voice through its coordinated advocacy efforts.
NSW Farmers Dairy Committee Chair Colin Thompson said former Dairy Advocate Ian Zandstra did great work in planning the Dairy Industry Action Plan, which NSW Farmers would play a key role in delivering.
"It's disappointing but we expected this role might not continue as there was a clear remit and role in the planning phase for the state's dairy industry," Mr Thompson said.
"However we are now moving into an implementation phase for dairy with the Dairy Industry Action Plan and it is important that industry lead this through NSW Farmers.
"It is important also to focus on the future of dairy and that's something we're committed to growing."
NSW Farmers through the Dairy Committee is taking the lead in advocating for the sector - which includes securing a legislated role for the Agriculture Commissioner - and is actively undertaking a range of internal initiatives to deliver a better resourced and more effective Dairy Section. Mr Thompson said the committee was also building and enhancing relationships with key industry bodies including Dairy NSW, Murray Dairy and Sub-Tropical Dairy to ensure the association had a direct line to all NSW dairy farmers.
"No matter where you are or what organisation you're affiliated with, it's important to know that NSW Farmers is here to advocate for the benefit of all dairy farmers in our state," Mr Thompson said.
"Improvements in regulation and legislation benefit all dairy farmers, just as things like dollar-a-litre milk hurt all dairy farmers, which is why we are giving a strong voice to our sector.
"Even as we recover from hardship like floods, we are a united front working hard for farmers."
