Fonterra trims board size
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Fonterra has won its battle to get a limit on how long other large independent milk processors are entitled to access Fonterra milk.
Large processors who also buy milk directly from farmers will get a three-season limit for accessing regulated milk, the Government has decided.
Primary Industries Minister David Carter announced amendments to the Raw Milk Regulations, the rules by which independent milk processors can access raw milk from Fonterra.
The key amendments are:
• Large independent processors who collect a significant quantity of milk directly from farmers will have a three-season limit for accessing regulated milk;
• The total quantity of milk available under the Raw Milk Regulations will be set at approximately 5% of Fonterra's milk supply, as provided for in the legislation;
• A range of maximum quantities will apply to processors accessing milk under the Raw Milk Regulations in different months of the season to reflect the seasonal nature of milk production;
• Processors who do not take much, or any milk, directly from farmers will be able to pay a fixed price for milk accessed under the Raw Milk Regulations and will not be subject to the "wash-up" process at the end of the season.
"The regulations ensure dairy processors can access raw milk when they are starting up and aim to support competition in domestic dairy products," Carter says.
"The changes follow an extensive consultation and review process on how best to achieve a fair and efficient dairy market in New Zealand."
Carter says the new regulations will take effect on the first day of the next dairy season, from June 1, 2013.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
Livestock can be bred for lower methane emissions while also improving productivity at a rate greater than what the industry is currently achieving, research has shown.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.