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.
Fonterra shareholders have voted overwhelming in favour of a resolution to lock in protections around the size of the Fonterra Shareholders' Fund and the integrity of the Farmgate Milk Price.
Resolution 8 was passed with 89.51% support at Fonterra's Annual Meeting in Hamilton today.
The results of the resolutions are:
RESOLUTION RESULT -
% in favour
Resolution 1: Approval of remuneration of Directors 73.73%
Resolution 2: Approval of remuneration of Shareholders' Council 75.85%
Resolution 3: Approval of remuneration of members of Directors' Remuneration Committee 80.21%
Resolution 4: Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditor and authorisation of the Directors to fix the auditor's remuneration 94.67%
Resolution 5: Approval of Shareholders' Council programme and budget 87.53%
Resolution 6: Ratification of appointment of Sir Ralph Norris 84.91%
Resolution 7: Ratification of appointment of Ralph Waters 88.37%
Resolution 8: Constitutional Changes for Trading Among Farmers 89.51%
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL RESULT -
% in favour
McKenzie Proposal 36.56%
Following the annual meeting, the board formally confirmed chair Elect John Wilson as the chairman of Fonterra.
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.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.

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