SUPERMARKET giant Coles has clarified its position on its drought relief efforts for the dairy industry, saying it will increase the price of its 3L Own Brand milk from $3 to $3.30 in all states from today until the end of the year.
All of the 30c increase will be donated to farmers affected by drought through the National Farmers’ Federation’s 2018 Drought Relief Fund. Coles said it has partnered with the NFF to support Australian farmers since 2012.
“Coles has always supported our Aussie farmers,” a statement issued by Coles this afternoon reads.
“We have an Australia First Sourcing Policy and all of our fresh milk is 100 per cent Australian.
“For several years, Coles has sold a number of milk brands with a percentage of sales going to support dairy farmers in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.”
Coles is also running a fundraising appeal for CWA’s drought relief efforts. Customers can make donations at Coles checkout during August and September, with Coles matching donations dollar for dollar.
The supermarket is also providing $5 million in grants or interest free loans from the Coles Nurture Fund for farmers who have a project which will help them to combat drought in the future.
The statement says Coles and its customers had already committed almost $12m to drought relief, including $5m from the Coles Nurture Fund to assist drought-affected farmers.