Coles Group has announced a targeted support package for its directly contracted dairy farmers, including a $1 million relief payment and a temporary increase in milk pricing. The move comes as rising input costs—particularly fuel, fertiliser, transport, and packaging—continue to pressure margins across the Australian dairy supply chain. The $1 million fund will be distributed exclusively among Coles’ direct suppliers, with payments allocated proportionally based on milk solids supplied between July 2025 and March 2026. This structure means larger producers will receive a greater share, with funds expected to be disbursed within days. In parallel, Coles will introduce a temporary payment of around 5 cents per litre starting May 1, layered on top of its existing farmgate milk price. The additional payment, calculated through butterfat and protein metrics, will be reviewed monthly, allowing the retailer to adjust support depending on evolving cost conditions. The initiative reflects ...