July 9, 2005

Australian dairy farmers caution against increasing milk exports of Brazil

Australian dairy farmers have been warned that rapidly-growing milk exports from Brazil, which is eager to become a major player in the global milk trade, could threaten Australia's dairy market.

A visiting UK dairy expert said the Australian dairy industry must improve to remain competitive, even with world milk demand increasing, and lower labour costs in developing countries.

Brazil in 1995 produced 14 billion litres of milk but by 1999 it was 19 billion litres and they have set a target of 29 billion litres by the year 2010.