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.
Fonterra Shareholders' Council chair, Ian Brown says the decision by the Fonterra Board of Directors to retain the services of Henry van der Heyden and Ralph Waters into 2013 would provide stability for the introduction of Trading Among Farmers (TAF).
Brown expressed confidence in the board's governance structure and says retaining van der Heyden and Waters was a practical move particularly as at least one new director would be voted to the board in December.
"The decision is important to ensure continuity within our cooperative as we begin operating in a post-TAF landscape.
"Both Sir Henry and Mr Waters will have signed their name to the TAF prospectus and the council expects that they would stand behind it and remain to see the launch of TAF through."
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.
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