Tuesday, 23 November 2021 11:55

Anti co-operative?

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has thrown a spanner in the works as far as Fonterra’s proposed capital structure is concerned.

He wants unspecified “alternative measures” otherwise Parliament won’t pass regulatory changes needed for the new structure to become effective.

O’Connor’s stance is going against the wishes of Fonterra’s 10,000 farmer shareholders, who have helped the board draft the capital structure proposal so that it remains 100% farmer owned and controlled.

But O’Connor was singing a different tune when Westland Milk, located on his home patch, was sold to a Chinese buyer two years ago.

He was unhappy with the co-op being offloaded to an overseas buyer and even wished Fonterra had bought the Hokitika-based business.

More like this

Domestic Focus

OPINION: After hogging the media limelight for telling a NZ Chinese MP to "go back home", Winston Peters has decided to focus on a domestic issue - oil and gas drilling.

A No-Brainer

OPINION: With fuel prices soaring, one would have expected most farmers to be reclaiming excise duty on petrol.

Floating Farm Sinks

OPINION: The world's first floating dairy farm, once hailed as a vision of farming's future, is up for sale after seven years.

Make It Up!

PM Chris Luxon can't seem to buy a trick when it comes to the polls, particularly for his own approval rating as preferred Prime Minister.

Why 'Fork to Farm' Beats Farm to Fork, Expert Says

In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.

Featured

Carrfields Marks 50 Years as Rural Health Programme Grows

Celebrating 50 years in the rural landscape of Central Canterbury and beyond, Ashburton-based Carrfields, has been the exemplar for all aspects of modern agriculture via its extensive range of services including supply, growing, agronomic advice and marketing.

Taupiri Farmers Chase Ownership After Awards Success

For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.

West Otago Farmer Luke Kane Wins Rabobank 2026 Prize

West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.

Editorial: Hunting Policy Misses The Mark

OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.

Timaru-Bred Bull Takes Out 2026 Mahoe Trophy

An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.