Woolworths started selling its Drought Relief Milk range in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT this week.
The limited-edition range offers customers the option to buy Woolworths Full Cream and Woolworths Lite Milk varieties at $2.20 for 2L and $3.30 for 3L. The extra 10 cents per litre will go to dairy farmers in drought-affected areas.
The drought-relief effort – first launched on Woolworths’ 3L milk last month – has already raised about $500,000 for dairy farmers.
“It’s been pleasing to see customers get behind this effort in support of Australian dairy farmers doing it tough in the drought,” Woolworths Director of Fresh Food Paul Harker said.
“With the introduction of a two-litre variety and our drought-relief labelling, we’re making it easier for more of our customers to support the effort if they have the means to do so.”
Distributing the relief
“We’ve sent our first drought-relief payment to Parmalat,” Mr Harker went on. “We’ll be working closely with them to ensure relief starts to flow through to drought-stricken dairy farmers as quickly as possible.”
From October 15, Parmalat will distribute the drought-relief funds to NSW and Queensland dairy farmers. It will do so with the independent oversight of its Drought Relief Committee. Funds will go to dairy farmers each month, based on the volume of milk they provide to Parmalat. There will be a minimum safety net of $1,000 per month for smaller farmers.
The Drought Relief Milk range builds on the $7.5 million Woolworths has raised for Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale program.
Woolworths’ 2L Full Cream and Woolworths 2L Lite Milk will remain available for customers at $2.
Coles’ contribution
Coles launched the same levy last month. It has increased the price of its 3L milk from $3 to $3.30, with the additional money going to farmers.