Two new awards open to help young farmers progress to farm ownership
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says as a farmer he is angry and disappointed with today's arbitration decision over the false botulism scare in 2013.
Speaking at a media conference with chief executive Theo Spierings, Wilson said the decision did not fully recognise the terms of supply agreement between Fonterra and Danone.
However, Wilson says he accepts the decision to award Danone $183 million in damages.
“We will now turn our attention to delivering the best possible returns for our farmers despite this outcome,” he says.
He added that Fonterra’s management is also committed to this.
Wilson and the management team briefed the Shareholders Council on the arbitration decision before the media conference.
He says there is also frustration among shareholders.
Danone sought damages for recalling products; the precautionary recall was a result of a false test from a third party.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.

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