Feds Back National’s 19 Farming National Standards
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
FEDERATED FARMERS believes Fonterra's $300,000 fine on charges relating to the 2012 whey protein recall is "proportionate".
Fonterra accepted four Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) charges relating to the recall.
"To a shareholder, $300,000 is much better than what the cooperative potentially faced," says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers dairy chairperson.
"Given the size of negative coverage relating to the non-botulism scare and the dent it put into the coop's reputation, the size of the fine is proportionate.
"Especially given Fonterra did not contest the charges brought by MPI. Even the Crown Prosecutor acknowledges Fonterra has swiftly moved to put its house in order.
"As supplier shareholders and unit holders will ultimately meet the cost of the fine, we are certain Fonterra's management has got the message loud and clear," Leferink says.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.

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