GE release 'will taint NZ's reputation, cost billions'
OPINION: At the September Fonterra results meeting in Waihi, I raised concerns about the viability and risks of releasing GE in New Zealand.
Fonterra has announced a record opening forecast milk price for organic milk this season.
The co-operative says this reflects a strong sales book and an encouraging supply and demand picture.
For the new season, which started June 1, the co-op announced a range of $9.25 - $10.75/kgMS, with a midpoint of $10/kgMS.
The co-op paid a record final organic price of $10.80/kgMS for 2022-23 season.
The co-op is looking for new organic milk suppliers. A team will be at the Fonterra tent at Fieldays this week to chat with farmers and answer questions.
Farm Source milk supply director Lisa Payne told Dairy News that the co-op's organics programme has been running since 2002 and it currently includes more than 100 farms.
"Demand for organic products continues to grow and to keep up with this we are looking to further expand the programme.
"We've been encouraging farmers to get in touch with us if they want more information about the process and support available to convert their farm to organic."
Fonterra also announced its advance rate for organic milk supply this season. For the first seven months, farmers will get an advance rate of $7.50/kgMS.
It lifts by 15c for milk supplied in January next year.
Meanwhile Fonterra's Organic Farmer Conference was held in Taranaki last week. The co-op says the conference was a great opportunity for farmers to learn mor about the market and the key factors driving the milk price, as well as connect with fellow farmers and the Farm Source team.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be fronting farmers at three large public meetings organised by Federated Farmers over the coming weeks.
Federated Farmers and a major Australian-owned bank are at loggerheads over emissions reduction targets set for New Zealand farmer clients.
More locally grown tomatoes are coming to stores this month and you can thank New Zealand greenhouses for that.
Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.
It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.
OPINION: Hats off to our pipfruit sector.
OPINION: The country's dairy farmers will now also have a hand in providing free lunch for schools.
OPINION: The abrupt departure of Synlait chief executive Grant Watson could be a sign that Chinese company Bright Dairy, the…