US remains important market - Fonterra
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
Labour's primary industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor says the second TAF vote must be "comprehensive and democratic".
He wants a postal ballot, rather than voting at a special meeting to be held on June 25.
"All Fonterra farmers must be given the right to have their say on the core issue of whether TAF is needed, and not be distracted by the issues of milk price and share value.
"The message I get from a growing number of farmers is that each and every one of them wants to see the full details and due diligence on TAF proposals and then make a decision to support it or not by way of postal vote.
"Any attempt by Fonterra to seek partial endorsement of TAF, before the details are known by its shareholder-farmers, is, in my view, an undermining of their basic shareholder rights."
O'Connor also wants the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill currently before Parliament to be withdrawn until a clear mandate is received for TAF to proceed.
"The legislation as it stands will create a dilemma for farmers and will impose milk price interference and manipulated share price on their cooperative if they reject TAF.
"Fonterra's directors have astutely recognised the growing concern among farmers regarding the proposed changes, which have yet to be fully detailed or explained by the board of Fonterra."
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
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