These cumulative totals were last updated in May 2022
1927688
Dollars donated
515
OUR DAIRY FARMERS ASSISTED
A: Bega Group’s Better Farms Program provides financial grants to eligible dairy farmers who have a current milk supply agreement with Bega Group or Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative. The Better Farms Program does not assist all Australian dairy farmers – only those dairy farmers who directly supply milk to Bega Group or another Better Farm Program participant.
A: Australian dairy farmers are eligible for a Better Farms Program grant if they have a current milk supply agreement with Bega Group or Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative and if they apply to be considered for a grant.
A: Independent Auditors have verified the distribution of funds so we can ensure every cent of each grant is being received by the relevant dairy farmer. We will continue to engage Independent Auditors going forward to ensure the distribution of grants is in accordance with the Better Farms Program.
A: No, the Better Farms Program supports only Australian dairy farmers, who have a current milk supply agreement with Bega Cheese Limited, Tatura Milk Industries Pty Ltd, BDD Australia Pty Ltd and Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative.
A: No, the grants must be used in accordance with the Better Farms Program guidelines and criteria, and must be used on 1 of the 3 key focus areas: Capital projects, Development & Training or Services Support.
A: We have a Milk Supply Team who visit each dairy farm business that has received a grant to verify that the grants have been used in good faith & in accordance with the Better Farms Program guidelines.
A: Capital project grants are up to $5,000 per year per eligible dairy farm business. Advice & Services support grants are up to $1,000 per year per eligible dairy farm business. Development & Training grants are up to $1,000 per year per eligible dairy farm business.
A: Overall, a very high proportion of the milk that goes into producing the Bega Group’s branded dairy products comes from Australian dairy farmers who have a current milk supply agreement with a member of the Bega Group or other companies that participate in the Better Farms Program. Farmers that do not have one of these current milk supply agreements in place are not eligible to receive Better Farms Program grants. From time to time though, supplementary milk may be required by Bega Group due to seasonal variations in demand and the volume of milk supplied direct by dairy farmers.
A: No, each eligible dairy farm business must complete & submit an application form to Bega Cheese Limited to be considered for a grant. Applications will be individually reviewed and assessed in accordance with the criteria and priorities outlines in the Better Farms Program Handbook.
