Fonterra trims board size
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says the co-op has invested $2.4 billion in additional capacity over the last three years.
While the investment has come at a cost to shareholders in terms of debt servicing, Wilson says it has provided the co-op flexibility.
Speaking at the co-op's annual meeting in Waitoa today, Wilson says the co-op's debt gearing ratio will come down to 40-45% before the end of the season.
He says the increased capability will help maintain a good milk price for farmers.
"We have added 8m litres more capacity in the last year," he says.
"It has eliminated losses at peak and offers us flexibility to grow returns from value added products."
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
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The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
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