Milk company launches new round of grants
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) is launching a new round of grants to support projects aimed at enhancing dairy farming sustainability via the a2 Farm Sustainability Fund.
The deal with Chinese dairy company Theland was signed in Auckland during the recent visit of Chinese Premier, Li Qiang. Miraka chief executive, Karl Gradon, and Tony Nie, managing director of Milk New Zealand, on behalf of Theland, signed the deal in the presence of Trade Minister Todd McClay.
“Premier Li Qiang’s visit was hugely significant for New Zealand. It was a privilege for Miraka, New Zealand’s second largest, Māoriowned global export business, to play a part in supporting the trade relationship between China and Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Gradon.
“Theland is a cornerstone customer of Miraka. We have entered into a new supply and research agreement with Theland to produce a new range of premium low-carbon, A2 milk products.
“Theland strives to be a sustainably focused business that produces goods with minimal impact upon the taiao / environment. This approach aligns closely with our kaitiakitanga values.”
The Miraka dairy plant is the world’s first to use geothermal energy. It has one of the lowest manufacturing carbon emissions footprints that there is globally, emitting 92% less carbon than traditional coal-fired factories.
Meanwhile, Miraka has announced a 2024- 25 season milk price of $8.42/kgMS for its farmer suppliers.
Gradon says that following a tough season on-farm they’re pleased to get in behind farmers for the season ahead by providing a strong milk price for 2024/25.
“We’re committed to doing our part to pay the best milk price, to the best people and farms.”
Miraka will pay its suppliers a base price, set at $8.25/kgMS. Farmers can also earn an additional premium up to 20c/kgMS under Te Ara Miraka, the company’s farming excellence programme.
“We reward our farmers for achieving high standards of sustainability, people development, animal welfare and milk quality,” says Gradon.
“Under Te Ara Miraka, our suppliers can earn an additional premium of up to $0.20/kgMS on top of our milk price. Since our establishment in 2010, Miraka has paid more than $21 million in premiums to our loyal farmer suppliers.”
Chad Hoggard, Miraka general manager of onfarm excellence, said the company’s 2024-25 milk price will be well received by their dairy farmers and that he was also proud of farmer performance which has consistently improved over the last three seasons under Te Ara Miraka.
“Our farmers work hard to achieve high standards and it’s also pleasing when we can deliver a stronger milk price for the new season. Our farmers are more than just business relationships to Miraka – they’re people who become part of our whānau and their kaitiakitanga values align with ours. We have worked closely together to refine Te Ara Miraka to ensure we’re continuously improving.”
Cream of the Crop
A record 13 dairy farms supplying Miraka have taken out the 2023/24 season top spots under Te Ara Miraka, the company’s farming excellence programme, and received an extra premium of 20c/kgMS on top of the company’s milk price, totalling a forecast $8/kgMS, including the premium.
Miraka chief executive Karl Gradon joined more than 350 guests at the company’s annual suppliers’ awards dinner held in Taupo recently to celebrate the milestone.
“We’re proud of our top 13 farms – a new record for Miraka – who share first place equally having each achieved the maximum 100 points under our farming excellence programme, Te Ara Miraka.”
