Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:55

Climate change dilemma

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Marise James. Marise James.

Former Fonterra director Marise James says the future of the dairy industry depends upon the direction of travel with respect to climate change.

"Farming has always been the backbone of the New Zealand economy, seeing us through really tough times and creating a place in the world that recognises the value of high-quality food, fibre and health production.

"However, I fear that the industry's ability to continue to deliver in that space is being compromised by poorly thought-through strategic responses to climate change that will result in many of our farming enterprises being unable to continue.

"We only need to look at the stance that banks are taking regarding funding fuel stations to realise that the flow-on effect could be catastrophic for farmers, either directly or indirectly."

She's reluctant to comment on Fonterra's plans to offload its consumer business in NZ, Australia and Sri Lanka.

"I am not close enough to it anymore to know much detail. I have always believed that Fonterra's strength was to be a 'preferred ingredients supplier' to the big brands.

"Having said that, there are a few long-serving brands that have served the business well over many decades and I am nervous to think we might let them go. Brands like Anmum, etc are synonymous with the New Zealand dairy industry."

James says winning the New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year competition with her husband in 1994 was a highlight. Being awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 1998 is also right up there, she adds.

"But the biggest highlight has been meeting so many amazing people, who have become very special friends through being clients and/or colleagues through the years.

"Farming is one of the few industries I know where people are so willing to share knowledge and experience to help others. It has been amazing."

More like this

Paris Agreement - stay or leave?

There has been a bit of discussion in the media lately about the Paris climate agreement and whether New Zealand should withdraw from it.

Farmers want certainty

OPINION: We've been having constructive conversations with the Government recently around climate change and emissions from food production, but now is the time to see these conversations turn into action.

Featured

Fonterra names Templeman-Jones to Mainland Group board amid divestment

As part of preparing for a potential IPO in relation to the divestment process for its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka, Fonterra has named Anne Templeman-Jones as chair-elect of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Mainland Group board.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive…

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

No to pines

OPINION: Forests planted for carbon credits are permanently locking up NZ’s landscapes, and could land us with more carbon costs,…

Cut with care

OPINION: NZ farming is built on hard work, but also on innovation, a lot of which came about thanks to…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter