Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
Twelve Indonesian farmers chosen as part of a Fonterra scholarship programme in Indonesia visited the cooperative's Te Rapa manufacturing site on Wednesday on the final leg of their 10-week training course in New Zealand.
The training course, run in conjunction with Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, has seen the farmers study animal handling, milking and nutrition during their time here, spending nine weeks in Masterton and one week at Massey University.
Fonterra vice-president of International Farming Ventures Peter Moore says the initiative was designed to educate the farmers so that they can improve farming practices at home and to allow Fonterra to build greater relationships across Indonesia.
"Our brands have been in Indonesia for over 30 years and it is an important export market for Fonterra. The programme has been a great initiative that has allowed us to strengthen our key relationships and build Fonterra's reputation in local communities which is essential for our success in the country," Moore says.
The farmers travel back to Indonesia on Saturday after spending the week with Fonterra visiting Te Rapa, the Fonterra Hamilton offices and the Tip Top factory in Auckland.
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Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
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