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.
A FONTERRA scientist Dr Jeremy Hill has been elected president of the International Dairy Federation (IDF), the first New Zealander to hold that role in its 109-year history. Hill is director, research science technology and development, at Fonterra.
Managing director Fonterra Nutrition Sarah Kennedy congratulated Hill on his election.
"This reflects New Zealand's leadership on the international dairy stage and Jeremy's contribution to the industry," says Kennedy. "Fonterra is a world-leader in dairy research and innovation and, since 1991, Jeremy has been at the forefront of that research at Fonterra and its legacy organisations."
Hill was elected last week to the position at the IDF's general assembly at the IDF World Dairy Summit in Cape Town and took the seat. He replaces Richard Doyle, who has completed a four-year term.
With a PhD in biochemistry, at least 100 publications and four patents, Hill has held senior research and development leadership roles. These include stints as general manager R&D at LIC, general manager Fonterra Research Centre and general manager manufacturing innovation. He has also served at Fonterra's director regulatory affairs and food assurance.
Hill is based at the Fonterra R&D centre at Palmerston North. Its products include cheese starter technology, spreadable butter, Anlene, DR10 and DR20 probiotics and 'instant mozzarella'.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.