Farmers must have right to choose on GE - Langford
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.
FEDERATED FARMERS says Fonterra's recall of fresh cream shows its quality assurance systems work.
Fonterra initiated a voluntary recall of certain batches 300ml and 500ml bottles of Anchor and Pams fresh cream, sold in the upper North Island with a best-before date of January 21.
"While the timing is far from ideal given what went on last year, this is a voluntary recall initiated by Fonterra's own testing," says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.
"I hope it shows our consumers that a company owned by thousands of Kiwi farmers does put food safety first. It should also tell our consumers that when a Fonterra owned brand is on the shelf, someone back at Fonterra is testing it to ensure it remains safe to consume.
"When testing does find a problem then no matter what the product is, or the timing, a voluntary recall is completely justified.
"It also shows that traceability is working because the coop has zeroed in on the batches involved and locations they were sold in.
"I must say this is a fairly rare event for the cooperative but does generate a lot of media once Fonterra's name is invoked. The key thing I hope gets reported is that Fonterra's own testing led to this voluntary recall.
"To me that shows the coop is a responsive and responsible processor of food," Leferink says.
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.
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