Tuesday, 27 April 2021 16:00

Fonterra's dilemma

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: The Chinese owners of Australia’s biggest and oldest dairy farming business are facing scrutiny from authorities and all eyes are on Fonterra.

Milk from the Van Dairy Group, which owns 23 farms in Tasmania is picked up by Fonterra.

Now media reports suggest the company could sell 10 farms as it struggles to clean up its act.

The Australian Environmental Protection Agency has launched an investigation into alleged animal abuse and overstocking of cattle, which it is alleged is causing effluent systems to fail and damaging nearby waterways.

A series of confidential documents, photographs and accounts from employees and locals appeared to show the conditions deteriorated after the 2016 takeover by China’s Moon Lake.

The big question is, given the highly competitive raw milk market in Australia, will Fonterra feel pressure to stop collecting milk from the farm until the farm owners tidy up their act?

More like this

Greenpeace a charity?

OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.

Synlait's back

OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.

Media pile on

OPINION: Staying on media double standards, another example of the woke media was on full display last week.

Double standards

OPINION: As soon as RNZ realised MP Andrew Hoggard's sister worked for Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ) and was, shock horror, lobbying government on behalf of its members, it wasted no time accusing him of not managing conflicts of interests.

Keeping cyber attacks at bay

Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.

Featured

Farm Without Harm issues safety alert on fertiliser bag handling

Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

GNS Science urges action as drought threatens New Zealand's freshwater resilience

With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

Wonky Box expands service to rural New Zealand

For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.

West Auckland's orcharding legacy celebrated in new book tracing industry history and urban impact

The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.

National

Co-existence with genetic modification 'possible'

Co-existence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM plants in New Zealand industries will be challenging, but is achievable, a review…

Finalists named for Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year

Three farmers making contributions to the wider dairy sector have been chosen as this year’s finalists for the prestigious Fonterra…

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…