SADA launches Plan to Farm policy ahead of March 2026 state election
SA Dairyfarmers Association president Robert Brokenshire wants to see the government work with members. File photo
The South Australian Dairyfarmers' Association has launched its pre-election policy platform, Plan to Farm, calling on all political parties to back the long-term growth and sustainability of the state's dairy sector.
The policy builds on the states Dairy Industry Action Plan 2024-2029 and sets out clear expectations that the next government will align planning, water, environmental, and primary industry laws with the needs of dairy producers.
"This is a pivotal moment for South Australian dairy," SADA president Robert Brokenshire said.
"Our farmers are ready to invest, innovate, and grow, but they need a regulatory environment that enables rather than obstructs.
"Plan to Farm is our call for that future."
The state's dairy industry contributes about $1 billion annually to the economy and supports hundreds of regional jobs.
But Mr Brokenshire said restrictive planning laws, uncertain water policy, and complex environmental regulations continue to hamper growth.
He said the association aimed to engage with all sides of politics early to encourage a green light for dairy expansion as the state emerges from drought.
Opportunities include increasing milk production, supporting the relocation of processors such as Golden North, and meeting rising demand for dairy products.
Central to SADA's calls is the need for streamlined approvals for dairy infrastructure.
Mr Brokenshire said current planning laws often failed to protect farmers' "right to farm", particularly in areas where residential development is expanding into rural zones.
"The government has made announcements about expanding housing into key agricultural areas, including dairy regions along the Fleurieu Peninsula," he said.
"Planning laws need to take that into account so farmers can continue operating without being shut down by complaints from new residents."
He said reforms should allow farmers to invest in infrastructure, upgrades, and expansions without facing lengthy delays from planning and environmental approvals.
SADA is calling for long-term water security and support for reinjection technologies.
"Water licenses were allocated based on the best science at the time, and those allocations need to be maintained," Mr Brokenshire said.
"Cutting back water licenses works against growth.
"Instead, the government should facilitate more efficient irrigation through grants and programs that support technological innovation."
SADA is also seeking recognition of best-practice environmental management, including sustainable dairy practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr Brokenshire said the association wants government-backed programs to encourage farmers to adopt these practices, offering funding and other incentives.
The policy platform calls for a whole-of-government approach to align departmental policies with the dairy industry action plan.
Mr Brokenshire said this includes ensuring that regulations do not inadvertently impede growth and that departments consult with farmers on proposed changes.
"Departments need to consider the impact of their decisions on dairy growth and the right to farm," he said.
"More consultation is needed so negative ramifications can be mitigated without obstructing industry expansion."
SADA is pushing for updates to primary sector legislation, including planning laws in Greater Adelaide and regulations around effluent management, to reflect contemporary farming practices and support the right to farm.
Ahead of the state election, SADA plans to send its detailed policy to government, opposition, and crossbench members.
The association will then track responses and produce a scorecard for members, showing which parties support the platform's measures.
"We're not asking for handouts, we're asking for smart policy," Mr Brokenshire said.
"Dairyfarmers are ready to lead on sustainability, innovation, and food security.
"We just need government to back us in and where necessary, back out of the way."