Fonterra Whareroa sets cheese record, wins top award
Fonterra Whareroa wrapped up a successful season with a record-breaking cheese production volume and several gongs at the co-op's annual Best Site Cup awards.
Parliament has removed the open entry and exit provisions of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (DIRA).
This removes the requirement on Fonterra to accept all applications from dairy farmers wanting to become shareholders and supply milk to Fonterra, or re-enter after leaving the cooperative.
Fonterra had been pushing for this change while independent processors like Open Country Dairy and Miraka wanted the provisions retained. Fonterra wanted the provisions changed to have more flexibility not to accept milk based on sustainability and environmental factors.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says the primary production select committee recommended that the open entry and exit provisions be removed.
“I agree with the committee on this point,” he says.
O’Connor says the dairy sector has changed considerably since 2001.
“The amendments we have made to this very aged legislation ensure this regulatory regime puts the sector in the best possible position in a post-Covid world,” O’Connor said.
“The Government is committed to building a modern and productive economy, and that means having fit-for-purpose legislation. We want to ensure the DIRA remains fit for purpose in a changing economic and social environment, and continues to deliver benefits O’Connor says the Government is determined to ensure the industry moves milk up the value chain.
“This change will enable Fonterra to invest in that higher-value end.
“The new and improved DIRA Bill will serve our dairy sector, and New Zealand, well for many years to come.”
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.