Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
The terms of inquiry for the Government's investigation into the Fonterra whey protein concentrate contamination (WPC) incident have been released.
Primary Industries minister Nathan Guy says the joint Ministerial-led Government Inquiry which will be divided into two parts.
"Part A will look at how the potentially contaminated whey protein concentrate entered the New Zealand and international market, and how this was subsequently addressed," he says.
"Parts B and C will look at regulatory and best practice requirements against the background of this incident in relation to the dairy industry, including the response of regulators. The inquiry will then report back on any recommended legal, regulatory or operational changes.
"This will provide the answers needed to the questions that have been raised about this incident, both domestically and internationally. It is also an important step in reassuring our trading partners that we take these issues seriously," says Mr Guy
Guy, who will lead the inquiry jointly with Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye, has invited Miriam Dean QC to chair the inquiry. Dean is the past president of the Bar Association, a former partner at Russell McVeagh, and has held a range of board appointments.
Two other members will also be appointed shortly, one of whom will be an international food safety expert.
The details of the ministerial inquiry, including the appointment process, are 'in principle' because it's proposed that the inquiry will be carried out using powers in the Inquiries Bill currently before the House.
"I think it is important in terms of independence that we have an international expert on food safety and systems as part of the inquiry," Kaye says.
"Parts B and C of the inquiry have an interim report back time of three months after the inquiry panel has been formally established.
"This report back will feed into the work plan I already have underway to look at areas where we can strengthen our food systems, which includes infant formula assurance work.
"I have also written to the chair of the Primary Production Select Committee to ask that consideration of the Food Bill be put on hold pending this part of the inquiry into regulatory and best practice requirements," Kaye says.
The inquiry is in addition to those already announced by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Fonterra.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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