Federal Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce’s early this month said he intended to summon a symposium in Melbourne to address concerns of the dairy farmers.

Mr Joyce’s announcement follows a Coalition promise made by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during the 2016 election campaign.

South-west lobby group Farmer Power said it was concerned the talks would descend into a “talkfest”, while Victoria’s Agriculture minister Jaala Pulford was more conciliatory.

"Any meeting that brings dairy farmers, processors and the industry together can only be a positive step,” Ms Pulford said. 

"Based on the many discussions I've had with farmers, businesses and community leaders in recent months, I imagine they'll be especially keen to provide feedback to the Federal government on the concessional loans scheme, Farm Household Allowance and market transparency." 

Mr Joyce wrote to Farmer Power president Chris Gleeson, after concerns were raised about the milk-price cuts and claw-backs made late last season by Murray Goulburn (MG) and Fonterra.

Mr Joyce said the Melbourne symposium, planned for August 25, would be held after he and Mr Turnbull, met with MG.

Mr Joyce said he hoped to discuss steps the processor was taking to provide a secure future for farmers.

“Following that meeting, I will convene a Dairy Industry Symposium, involving dairy farmers, processors and retails, to discuss industry solutions to the problems, impacting the dairy industry,” he said. “I understand price transparency is of great concern to dairy farmers.”

He said the government had committed to examine mechanisms, including a milk price index, which would provide clearer price signals to farmers.

Mr Joyce said the measures would build on steps, taken by the government, to create new export markets for farm produce, support farm businesses, and deliver accelerated depreciation for fencing, water and fodder storage.

Mr Gleeson said it appeared Mr Joyce was offering nothing different to what had been said before.

“It’s no good having a round table discussion with the current industry leaders… the industry is in the current situation because we don’t have strong leaders,” Mr Gleeson said. “Unless they have total review of the industry, it will be a talk fest.”

Farmer power vice president Alex Robertson said the government needed to make it easier for farmers to apply for concessional loans.

Mead dairy farmer Di Bowles welcomed the symposium and said she hoped there would be input from a wide variety of speakers.

“I don’t think it’s his job to bail out Murray Goulburn, it’s his job to give support to farmers,” Ms Bowles said. “But good on him for taking an interest in the diary industry, which he should.”

She called for a strong, independent symposium chair who would be appointed from outside industry.