Australian dairy industry ‘must adapt’ to face climate challenge

THE €9 billion Australian dairy industry, which exports products to more than 130 countries, is bracing itself for a future in which climate and drought will be the greatest challenges, the World Dairy Summit was told in Dublin yesterday.

Droughts in Australia have limited the country’s milk product exports and are among the reasons for the buoyancy in world markets with resultant surges in the prices being paid to farmers in Ireland and elsewhere for their milk supplies.

Australian Dairy Farmers vice-president Wes Judd said increased climate variability is likely in his country, where droughts have been widespread and severe.

“There is no going back to normal. Farming systems will need to change and become more adaptable, flexible and opportunistic.”

He said adaptation is happening and the Australian industry features a range of farming systems. He said most Australian dairy farmers were impacted by drought in 2006-2007. Some 88% of farmers consider they have been adversely affected by drought compared with 78% in 2004.

Mr Judd said agricultural industries in Australia have developed in a highly variable climate. Investment and reliance irrigation is significant. He said experts are undecided as to whether drought is short term or the result of climate change.

Pedro Braga Arcuri of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation said milk production in his country, which produces 15.4% of global milk, will keep growing for the next 10 years.