Bakers prefer butter, helping prices soar
Consumers around the world are willing to pay more for products containing dairy and this is driving demand for butter and cream, says Fonterra.
Fonterra says it will not install any more coal boilers or increase its capacity to burn coal.
The co-op said last week that it will reduce its reliance on coal as a target in its bid for greater sustainability.
These targets include reducing emissions by 30% across all plants by 2030, achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and reducing water use by 20% across all sites by 2020.
The co-op also wants each of its farmers to have a farm environment plan by 2025 and 100% recyclable, reusable and compostable packaging by 2025.
It will also power its Stirling site in Otago with electricity rather than coal.
Robert Spurway, chief operating officer for global operations, says sustainability “will be at the heart of everything we do”.
“As part of this, we want to step up our efforts to help New Zealand transition to a zero carbon economy.”
Spurway says getting out of coal is not as easy as flicking a switch but requires a “staged approach”.
“We’re determined to go as fast as we can but there are practical challenges to overcome.
“For example, NZ’s energy infrastructure in some regions isn’t set up to handle our requirements.
“Either there aren’t alternatives to coal available or, if there are, they are not at the scale needed.
“There are also cost challenges. Transitioning to cleaner fuels will require more investment.”
Spurway says Fonterra needs to balance this with remaining competitive and its “staged approach”.
“We know we can’t do it alone. More can be achieved in partnerships and business working together, like the Climate Leaders Coalition and Sustainable Business Council, to find ways to achieve a zero carbon economy.”
Fonterra’s plants are on track to meet its targets to reduce emissions by 30% across all operations by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
Fonterra has 32 sites NZ-wide, with about 40% of processing energy from coal. The rest is from natural gas, electricity and wood.
OPINION: Farmers are rightly urging the Government to relax the rules around KiwiSaver and allow young farmers to use their savings towards purchasing either a house, cows or a farm.
Winning the 2025 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year still hasn't sunk in for Thomas and Fiona Langford.
The grass may be growing again in the drought-stricken coastal area of Taranaki, but the outlook for many farmers there is far from rosy.
Doctors and rural women are welcoming the recent pre-budget announcement from the Government that it would be boosting funding to urgent and afterhours care facilities.
Over 300 farmers and rural professionals have gathered in Hamilton for the first DairyNZ Farmers Forum for this year.
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
OPINION: At the recent NZ Dairy Industry Awards, opposition leader Chris Hipkins made a surprise appearance.
OPINION: The Greens aren't serious people when it comes to the economy, so let's not spend too much on their…