Each year Dairy Australia invests approximately $15 million of dairy farmer levy payments and $15 million of taxpayer funds in Research and Development (R&D) projects for the benefit of the dairy industry.

All dairy farmers who pay the levy may become members of Dairy Australia and the members determine Dairy Australia’s direction.

Dairy Australia is currently funding approximately 80 projects for the farm and manufacturing sectors of the industry.  

We fund research projects which address our 3 Key Objectives as set out in our Strategic Plan.

Dairy Australia does not conduct R&D itself.  We contract R&D organisations (such as departments of agriculture, universities and CSIRO) to carry out scientific developmental, educational and economic projects which will address these key issues.  However, it is important for Dairy Australia to receive recognition for its profile as an integral part of the industry’s ongoing success and as a major source of funding for so many worthwhile projects. This recognition is achieved by researchers complying with the branding requirements in Dairy Australia’s Project publication style guidelines.

We support projects by commissioning specific research and through competitive submission processes.  We work strategically with providers to optimise program design and resource efficiency and also work closely with private companies, such as dairy processors and farm supply companies.

Dairy Australia’s R&D activities are primarily managed within three Research Business groups:

1. Farm Productivity and Delivery 
2. Value Chain Innovation
3. Technical Issues