Oz farmers' election wishlist
Australian farmers advocate NFF says this year’s Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture.
Murray Goulburn has bought Mitsubishi Corporation's remaining 24.1% in Tasmanian Dairy Products Co Pty Ltd (TDP) for A$4.8 million, taking 100% ownership.
TDP, one of Tasmania's largest dairy companies, processes about 25% of the state's milk.
MG managing director Gary Helou acknowledged Mitsubishi's collaboration with MG during its three years work to establish a "foundation footprint in Tasmania's dairy industry". "Mitsubishi will continue to be an important business partner for MG, following the acquisition," Helou said.
"Over the past decade, the Tasmanian dairy industry has grown strongly. With its rich dairy tradition and favourable climate for pasture based farming, Tasmania is an important, strategic dairy region for MG to have a strong presence in."
Earlier this year TDP suppliers were invited to join MG and become MG supplier-shareholders. This invitation was well received and from the start of 2015-16 season all milk supplied to TDP has come via MG's Tasmania suppliers who joined the co-op.
"We were pleased to be able to extend the benefits of our dairy co-op to Tasmania dairy farmers and we look forward to continuing to grow our supply base and production."
MG entered the Tasmania dairy industry in mid-2000 by buying Classic Foods (Edith Creek) and in 2011 it spent $80 million on a milk processing facility for TDP at Smithton.
TDP Smithton started production in 2012; it can process 250 million litres of milk annually. Last financial year, TDP processed 210 million L.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.