Friday, 25 May 2012 12:32

TAF path “a slippery slope”

Written by Sudesh Kissun

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Former Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman Simon Couper says the Trading Among Farmers (TAF) model is unable to deliver 100% farmer ownership and control.

Couper, who resigned yesterday, says it has always been a strong principle of his that the ownership and control of the co-op must be protected.

"TAF theoretically provides a unique opportunity for our co-op but absolutely must have complete safeguards around ownership and control"

While the board and council have made some progress he was convinced there were factors that needed to be in place to protect the co-op, he says.

"Fund size was key in my decision and a threshold of anything over 15% puts the co-op at risk"

He says farmers must realise TAF "will put us on a path that has the potential to become a slippery slope".

"I've always held to my integrity. I accept that a majority of council maybe happy with the proposed model but I couldn't lead an organisation where I had such a big fundamental difference on such a big issue"

More like this

PGG Wrightson Revenue Tops $1.1b as Profit Jumps 46%

After delivering a strong financial year, rural trader PGG Wrightson says the coming months will depend on customer confidence and weather.

Why 'Fork to Farm' Beats Farm to Fork, Expert Says

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.

Four-Year Trial Confirms Plantain Cuts N Losses 33%

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 Opens Upgraded Chengdu Application Centre

Fonterra has opened its upgraded Chengdu Application Centre, bringing New Zealand dairy expertise closer to customers in one of China's fastest-growing regions.

Stephen Allen to Step Down as Tatua Chair After 23 Years

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.

Featured

Editorial: Time to Boost Organics

OPINION: The time has come for the Government to back the organic sector.

El Niño Warning: NZ Farmers Urged to Plan Fert Early

Plan ahead and be patient. That’s the message to farmers and horticulturalists from the chairman of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association, Kent Weir.

NZ Industry Craves Ag Graduates, Says Massey Professor

The industry is crying out for graduates with agricultural related degrees.

CNH Tech Chief on Autonomous Machinery, AI in Farming

While GPS and guidance have become the norm and yield mapping and variable application continues to gain traction, most agricultural machinery manufacturers continue to expand their technology offerings, amalgamating the vast amounts of data being collected to streamline real-time and ongoing management decisions.

NZ's Top Trade Negotiator Warns of Rising Protectionism

Supply chain problems, growing protectionism and a move to greater food security are some of the key challenges facing New Zealand exporters, according to our top trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis.

Barry Cuttance Suspension: Inside the NZDFA Dispute

A spat within the ranks of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association has resulted in the suspension of outspoken North Canterbury farmer Barry Cuttance.