The DAA had received more than 14,140 application forms by close of business on Tuesday 15 August 2000 from an industry estimate of some 15,000.

"Final figures won’t be known until next week as forms posted on 17 August 2000 come through and are processed", Chairman of the DAA, Mr Patrick Musgrave said.

"While the original mailout of application packs was to just over 15,000 dairy farm enterprises, a further 2,500 packs have been sent out."

"We believe many of these were requested by consultants, financial advisers, banks, media other potential participants and some dairy farmers who were not on the original database."

"Over 30,000 letters acknowledging receipt forms have been despatched to individual entities. Each entity nominated on an application form gets a letter, and if eligible, will ultimately get paid a share of the entitlement", Mr Musgrave said.Dairy

"In addition, nearly 10,000 acknowledgment phone calls have been made to dairy farmers by the DAA team over the last two weeks, confirming that their applications had been received."

"In the end, it is up to dairy producers whether they want to participate in the program. We should not lose sight of the fact that it is not compulsory to apply. If anyone decides not to return their forms, that is their choice."

"However, the numbers indicate that the majority of eligible dairy farmers have taken this one-off opportunity to apply for their share in the program."

Processing to verify all claims has already commenced. Notices of the DAA’s decisions will be despatched to eligible dairy farmers in September 2000.

If the applicants agree with the decision, the first payment will be made by the end of October, 2000, provided the DAA has received the applicant’s Farm Business Assessment declaration form.

Mr Musgrave advised, "If any applicants disagree with the decision, they can lodge an appeal within 28 days of receipt of the decision notice. All information on how to appeal will be included with the notice."