BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY

The announcement that South Australian dairy company Beston Global Food Company has been put into voluntary administration is deeply concerning for the South Australian Dairy industry.

It is estimated that around 20 per cent of milk produced in South Australia supplied Beston’s, who held contracts of supply with 22 dairy farmers.

Since the news broke on Monday, I have spoken with a number of dairy farmers supplying the company as well as the South Australian Dairy Association, and administrators KPMG to offer my support wherever appropriate. In the meantime, I will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to receive updates in the interests of suppliers and employees.  

Suppliers with concerns about monies owed should seek independent legal and financial advice.

I encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to make use of the various mental health and wellbeing services available including:

• - Lifeline: 13 11 14
• - Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• - I Farm Well
• - Rural Aid
• - Rural Health Connect
• - Head to Health

While KPMG work through the administration process, it is my strongest hope that recent expressions of interest in the company will result in a positive outcome for the future of the processing facilities at Murray Bridge and Jervois, the SA milk suppliers and the 160 direct employees in the Murraylands.