$13 billion farming, manufacturing and export industry
Main markets being into Asia, specifically China
Farm-gate value of around $4 billion
Vital contributor to the Australian economy
Over 6000 dairy farmers producing around 9.7 billion litres of milk each year
Directly employs about 40,000 Australians who work on farms and in factories
Largest processed-food industry in Australia
Much of the processing or value adding to milk occurs close to farming areas, thereby generating economic activity in regional areas
Value-added products include milk products, butter, yoghurt, custard and cheese
A vast majority of Australian milk is exported as manufactured cheese, milk powder, evaporated milk, casein and whey powder to Asian markets