Facebook appeal asking consumers to buy full-priced milk goes viral

A social media appeal asking consumers to buy full-priced milk to help Victoria's dairy farming industry has gone viral, with many sharing photos of empty supermarket shelves.

A photo from Facebook user Jasmine Mackay of supermarket milk shelves showing several discounted brands remaining Source: Facebook

An appeal by Victorian dairy farmers for consumers to buy full-priced milk and avoid buying discounted milk, has gained attention on social media, with shoppers showing their support by sharing photos of empty supermarket shelves.

The campaign led by Facebook group, 'Dairy Farmers Need Your Help please' comes in defiance of a move by industry giants Murray Goulburn and Fonterra who dropped the price of milk sold to below the cost of production, leaving farmers significantly out of pocket.

The Facebook group's page says: "The group isn’t just about showing you what brands support your local farmers or the latest updates about what is happening, but it is also about letting our farmers know they are not alone in the long fight ahead."

People from across Victoria have shown their support.

The actions of Murray Goulburn and Fonterra will be investigated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission.

The Federal Government has vowed to extend assistance programs to struggling farmers.

Image from Facebook user Jo Bonnett‎ with comment: Coles Birallee Wodonga this morning. I want to see the Coles milk shelf space reduced. Source: Facebook

Image posted by Facebook user Dallas Hetherington of Coles at Warragul (Facebook) Source: AAP