Fonterra shaves 50c off forecast milk price
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
Food Safety and Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew will travel to China for bi-lateral meetings and to open a new Fonterra dairy facility in the Shanxi Province.
"The relationship between New Zealand and China has never been stronger, and it is crucial for our economy that we maintain that strong relationship in food safety," says Goodhew.
While in Beijing, Goodhew will meet with Vice Minister Teng Jiacai of the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for the third Joint Food Safety Commission meeting, to build upon the shared goal for increased communication and cooperation between the two countries.
Goodhew will also be meeting with Vice Minister Mei Kebao of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), and with Minister Zhang Jianlong of the State Forestry Administration.
"As one of our largest trading partners, it is important that we work with China to maintain and improve access for New Zealand goods and services, and I look forward to making good progress during my visit," Goodhew says.
In Shanxi Province, Goodhew will attend the official opening of the Fonterra Ying County Breeding Hub. The facility, which has up to 30,000 cows, 16,000 of which are milking cows, employs 90% local people and sources 85% of its feed from the local area.
"The new Breeding Hub in Shanxi Province is a significant investment by a New Zealand company, and is a big opportunity to boost the local economy with some Kiwi know-how," says Goodhew.
Goodhew will return to New Zealand on Friday, September 16.
Fonterra Edendale has been recognised with the Mars Dairy Supplier Quality Award for the top performing supplier sites in the global food company's dairy supply chain.
Sheep milk processor Maui Milk has achieved grass-fed certification of milk supply against the AsureQuality Grass-Fed Scheme.
OPINION: What goes up must come down. So, global dairy prices retreating from lofty heights in recent months wouldn’t come as a surprise to many farmers.
Fonterra directors and councillors are in for a pay rise next month.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.

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