The Victorian Government has partnered with Dairy Australia to strengthen international market access and support the continued growth of Victoria’s dairy exports across Greater China, Japan and Southeast Asia.
Under the partnership, Victoria’s Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle announced $250,000 in funding for the Growing Demand for Victorian Dairy Exports Program. The funding, provided through Global Victoria, will be matched by Dairy Australia to support initiatives aimed at strengthening trade relationships and identifying new opportunities for Victorian dairy businesses.
The programme will support the Dairy Australia Scholarships Program, including its Victoria-based visit programme and ongoing alumni engagement, as well as international seminars showcasing Australian dairy production and innovation. It will also support trade policy and market access activities.
The Dairy Australia Scholarship Program has operated for more than 25 years and brings participants from China, Japan and Southeast Asia to Australia to gain first-hand exposure to dairy farming practices, manufacturing and food safety systems. More than 950 alumni of the programme now hold influential positions across Asia, providing industry insights into consumer demand, market trends and potential trade opportunities.
The partnership forms part of the Victorian Government’s $10 million Food and Fibre Exports Program Regional Package and is intended to support the growth of the state’s dairy industry by strengthening connections with key international markets.
Victoria accounts for around 74 per cent of Australia’s dairy exports by value. In 2024-25, the state’s dairy exports were valued at $2.79 billion.
“This partnership will help our producers and exporters expand into key international markets, unlocking new trade opportunities, growing exports and supporting jobs and economic growth across regional Victoria,” said Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Natalie Suleyman.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle said the initiative would support Victorian dairy farmers in connecting with international customers.
Dairy Australia CEO Dr Matthew Shaffer said the organisation’s longstanding partnership with the Victorian Government had helped the state’s dairy industry take advantage of commercial opportunities globally and drive demand and value for Australian dairy products.
