Two milk processing plants changing hands
Two large milk processing plants in New Zealand are changing hands.
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.
Alliance has announced a series of capital raise roadshow event, starting on 29 September in Tuatapere, Southland.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.