The regulatory requirements
To operate a dairy farm in Tasmania, you must hold a current dairy farmer licence and accreditation issued by the Tasmanian Dairy Industry Authority (TDIA) under the Dairy Industry Act 1994 , Dairy Industry Regulations 2024 and Primary Produce Safety Act 2011.
This includes compliance with relevant provisions of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, in particular Part 3.2 and Standard 4.2.2.
It is a requirement under the Primary Produce Safety Act 2011 that an accredited Dairy Farmer lodge an annual return to retain its accreditation.
The Dairy Industry Act 1994 defines a dairy farmer as the owner (or person in charge) of a premises where cows (or other non-bovine animals such as sheep or goats) are kept or milked for the purpose of producing milk for profit or sale. This includes farmers who supply milk to themselves for bottling or making into dairy products.
Dairy farmers harvest and store milk which is a high-risk product due to its ability to harbour and grow bacteria that can be harmful to human health.
To reduce or eliminate this risk, dairy farmers must develop and implement a food safety program. TDIA audit dairy premises annually to check that this program is being adhered to.
Before applying
1. Develop a food safety program
Most milk companies have developed farm quality assurance (QA) program templates within the company QA system which meet the farm food safety program requirements. By adopting and implementing the milk company QA template you will fulfill the TDIA farm licence condition to have an approved food safety program.
If your milk company does not provide you with a QA system, you will need to develop a documented HACCP-based food safety program outlining the control measures and procedures that are in place to reduce or eliminate significant food safety hazards associated with producing milk.
2. Develop, review and/or update your dairy farm premises Effluent Management Plan and submit documentation to TDIA for approval.
Farm Dairy Premises Effluent Management Code of Practice 2025 (PDF 192Kb)
**Effluent systems are to be assessed and designed by suitably qualified persons and meet the design criteria set out in the National Effluent and Manure Database
Applying for a licence
To obtain a licence from TDIA for your dairy farm, you will need to address all necessary requirements -- regardless of whether you are taking over an existing dairy farm, converting to a dairy operation, or building a new dairy premises.
Please refer to the Dairy Farmer Licence Application Steps.
As a first point of call , contact the TDIA, your local Council and your preferred milk supply company to ensure that your plans and/or premises meet their requirements. You may need to obtain planning approvals for new or modified premises.
If you intend to supply milk to a company that will make raw milk cheese, there are some other requirements that need to be met. More information on these can be provided by TDIA.
Please note, it can take up to 60 days for the application review and licence approval process. Make sure TDIA is aware of your plans well before you wish to begin milking.
Dairy Farmer Application Form (PDF 163Kb)
Annual Return Dairy Primary Production (Farmer) (PDF 236Kb)
Dairy Farmer Licence Application Steps (PDF 197Kb)
Licence transfers
If you are planning to take over a current licence to operate a dairy business held by another person or company, you must apply for a licence transfer:
Licence approval process
In order to assist TDIA in processing your application please ensure that:
The licence and accreditation application forms are complete and include applicable payment, and
A TDIA approved food safety program is provided
A TDIA approved effluent management program is provided
A licence application may be refused if the applicant fails to meet the licence approval requirements.
If these conditions are not met your licence application may not progress.
Associated costs
New licence application fee
| The one- off application fee for new dairy farmer licences is $191.00
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Licence transfer application fee
| A transfer of licence is $191.00
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Licence fees
| In addition to the above fees, the TDIA has licence fees due and payable monthly from Manufacturers and Dairy Farmers currently calculated on the cost per litre of milk of $0.0004182. Fees are forwarded to the TDIA by the manufacturer.
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When to contact the TDIA
If you change your farm details
If you change address, contact person or business structure.
If you increase your herd size or if you change the way you do things
For these types of changes you must review your effluent management plan. If you change your plan, make sure TDIA approves the new or amended plan and that a copy is kept with TDIA. Allow 60 days from date of submission of the plan to be assessed by the TDIA. Contact TDIA if you need help with this.
If your effluent system fails or if you have an effluent spill that could leave your property
You must contact your local Council and TDIA.
If you are planning changes to your dairy shed
You should contact your local Council and TDIA so that planning approvals can be obtained if needed and effluent management plans updated.