Dairy farmers in Queensland and New South Wales will continue collective bargaining with milk company Parmalat. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the move would protect small farmers from being pushed over by multinational companies.

The ACCC decision allows small farm operators to bargain collectively on milk standards and farmgate prices. ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said, “We think that collective bargaining can enhance the bargaining process, can enhance the terms and conditions that are reached and can effectively lead to a more level playing field in the bargaining process.” Samuel quickly dismissed fears that the collective bargaining will affect the prices of milk and milk-based products.

Dairy farmers in the eastern part of the continent need to organize into a one strong group. Farmers in Western Australia have united under the group Western Australia Farmers Federation (WAFarmers) and have just concluded their annual dairy conference in July. The conference opened opportunities for learning the latest in dairy farming, as well as, for networking.

Parmalat Australia Ltd. Is one of the leading manufacturers of branded milk, yogurt, and fresh dairy products. The company's line of products include Parmalat, Pauls, Trim, Rev, PhysiCAL, Breaka, Ice Break and Vaalia.

The collective bargaining scheme has been in place for nine years.