Friday, 25 May 2012 12:32

TAF path “a slippery slope”

Written by 

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

Fonterra R&D: Innovation needs more than just PhDs

Common sense and good human judgement are still a key requirement for the super highly qualified staff working at one of New Zealand's largest and most important research facilities - Fonterra's R&D Centre at Palmerston North.

Featured

IFSO urges flood-affected residents to document damage for insurance

Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.

Farmstrong marks 10 years of rural support

Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Don't hold back!

OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…

Sorry, not sorry

OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter