Suitors line up
OPINION: As Fonterra's divestment of its Oceania and global consumer businesses progresses, clear contenders are emerging.
The a2 Milk Company is partnering with Lincoln University to launch a new sustainability fund, designed to support sustainability dairy farming projects in New Zealand.
The Farm Sustainability Fund was launched last month and will provide up to $500,000 in the first year to enable grants for farm projects that demonstrate an integrated approach to a sustainable future and enable a positive impact across the community and environment.
The Fund is open to New Zealand farms that supply milk under contract with Mataura Valley Milk Limited or Synlait Milk Limited for use in the manufacture of products for The a2 Milk Company.
David Bortolussi, a2 managing director, says the company is excited to be involved in the venture.
“The fund brings together a2MC’s determination to deliver on our sustainability strategy and Lincoln’s internationally- renowned knowledge in all facets of agriculture and agribusiness – along with the commitment and operating excellence of our milk supply partners,” Bortolussi says.
“We know there are farmer suppliers with innovative and important projects they would be keen to get underway.”
Bortolussi says the fund has the potential to help with many of those projects by providing additional financial support to make them more viable.
Lincoln University research management office director Professor Travis Glare says the university is committed to researching, teaching and showcasing practices and approaches that will advance a more productive and sustainable future for New Zealand.
“It’s through like-minded partnerships such as with The a2 Milk Company, that we can effectively make the most of our collective expertise in helping shape a better, more sustainable world,” Glare says.
Applications for this year’s awards will be open from 23 May and close on 4 July 2022.
Applications will be assessed by The a2 Milk Company and Lincoln University New Zealand Farm Sustainability Fund Investment Committee.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.