Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Fonterra’s share price has dropped following a bleak market update on its 2018-19 financial results.
Read: Fonterra is signalling a full-year loss of up to $675 million for 2018-19.
At start of trading day on the NZ Stock Exchange this morning, the share was valued at $3.74 each. By midday the shares had lost 13c or nearly 5% value and hovering around $3.63/share.
Fonterra shares have taken a battering over the past 18 months. In January last year, each share was priced at $6.60. In the last 12 months it has lost 25% of its value.
Fonterra informed the markets this morning that it was bracing for a full-year loss of up to $675 million for 2018-19.
The co-op has also announced that no dividend will be paid for 2018-19; it has also written down $820m to $860m in asset value.
The co-op will announce its full-year results on September 12. However, it’s now clear that the co-op will deliver its second straight annual loss. Last year, the co-op declared its first ever loss of $196m.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.