Fonterra’s $3.2b capital return to farmers set to boost rural incomes and NZ economy
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says the co-op must "stay the course" despite market uncertainty.
Speaking at the co-op's annual meeting in Waitoa today, Spierings says the recent political developments in Europe, including the shooting down of a Russian plane overnight by Turkey, is further compounding the markets.
But he says Fonterra needs to stay the course and stay focussed on strategy.
"We look at things we are doing well and do them faster; things we are not doing well, we need to improve on," he says.
"Because these are the things we can control; we can't control the other things happening around the world."
Spierings also wants Fonterra to focus on opportunities to grow the business.
He alluded to a Chinese saying that when winds of change are blowing, some build walls while others build windows.
"I am in the camp that builds windows."
Spierings says Fonterra cannot control what's happening around the world.
"We can complain and moan but we will be wasting our energy," he says.
"We have to look at things which we can control; stay on course, stay on the strategy and keep costs under control."
He says Fonterra must continue to invest for the future.
"In the last few difficult years we have invested strongly." he says.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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