Dairy farmers to return FBA forms

Chairman of the Dairy Adjustment Authority (DAA), Mr Patrick Musgrave has advised that time is running out for dairy farmers who have not returned their farm business assessment (FBA) declaration forms to the DAA.

"If the cut-off date of February 19 for returning the FBA form is missed, dairy farmers will lose their eligibility for Dairy Structural Adjustment Program (DSAP) entitlements, and they will miss out on thousands of dollars worth of assistance from the program."

The declaration forms, which have to be signed by a qualified financial adviser, need to be returned to the DAA so that they arrive there no later than 19 February 2001.

"February 19 is less than two weeks away, and given an average of four days for postage, dairy farmers who have not returned their forms must act now to meet the cut-off date", Mr Musgrave said.

"It is important for dairy farmers to check with their financial advisers or accountants as well, if you are not sure whether the form has been returned."

"Despite the good response to date, the number of farmers who still haven't returned their FBA declaration forms concerns me. There are still too many who will forego their right to an entitlement if they have not returned the form by 19 February this year. It is absolutely essential that they do so, if they want to receive their payments", Mr Musgrave stressed.

"If there is any doubt whatever, dairy farmers should ring the DAA Help Line - 1800 503 603 to check whether their FBA has been received," he concluded.

The FBA declaration form has to be returned to the DAA before any payments can be made. Therefore any dairy farmer who has already received a payment from the DAA can be assured that their form has been received.

The DAA will be telephoning dairy farmers who still have not returned their forms over the next week, up until 19 February.

ENDS

Further information:

Ian Harvey
Telephone 03 9507 2315