increase font size
Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman, Ian Brown says Fonterra board's decision to retain the services of directors Henry van der Heyden and Ralph Waters into 2013 would provide stability for the introduction of Trading Among Farmers (TAF).
Brown expressed confidence in the board's governance structure and said van der Heyden and Waters was a practical move particularly as at least one new director would be voted to the board in December.
"The decision is important to ensure continuity within our cooperative as we begin operating in a post-TAF landscape.
"Both Sir Henry and Waters will have signed their name to the TAF prospectus and the Council expects that they would stand behind it and remain to see the launch of TAF through," he says.
Van der Heyden steps down as Fonterra chairman in December, to be replaced by John Wilson.
Wilson says it's important to have continuity and experience around the board tableduring TAF's launch.
"As a result both Henry and Ralph have agreed to stay on until after TAF is up and running. They will provide valuable guidance during this period. Their involvement is in the best interests of the cooperative and the Board has thanked them both for being flexible."
Wilson says Waters' extended appointment would need to be ratified by farmer shareholders at the annual meeting in December. The process to identify a new appointed director was already underway. Van der Heyden would remain on as part of his normal farmer-elected term which runs to the annual meeting in 2013.
"However, neither Henry nor I think it will be necessary for him to stay this long. He has made other professional and personal commitments that he is keen to pursue as soon as possible."
In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.
Fonterra has opened its upgraded Chengdu Application Centre, bringing New Zealand dairy expertise closer to customers in one of China's fastest-growing regions.
Tatua chair Stephen Allen says he leaves the co-op with a deep sense of gratitude for the people who have contributed to its success.
Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst and his family raised a glass of milk last week to toast the start of a new addition to their farming operation at Makihihi, south of Timaru.
For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.
West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
