Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
IT'S IMPORTANT that Fonterra's recall of a batch of cream is not blown out of proportion, says New Zealand Food & Grocery Council CEO Katherine Rich.
"We need to ensure that we keep this in perspective," she says.
"Food recalls, though always disappointing and disruptive for consumers and for the companies involved, are a fact of life every day all around the world.
"Even though New Zealand has one of the best food production systems in the world, our food companies sometimes have to call product back and they are ready for this.
"It's something every company knows it will probably face from time to time, and it's precisely because of our modern and world-leading food production systems that we are able to pick up these issues and act swiftly.
"Food is a living product, so even with the best production and hygiene systems in the world there will always be irregular instances when food companies have to return product to the factory."
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.

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