Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Your canine crusader hears that Fonterra’s current financial woes could see the dairy co-op dumping many of its key assets.
It’s well accepted that Fonterra’s investment in Chinese infant formula company Beingmate has been a dog, and the co-op is expected to dump the rest of its stake in the baby food company quicker than the National Party cut loose Jami-Lee Ross. Also expected to go are its poorly performing farms in China.
The Hound understands Fonterra is also looking at quitting its ice cream company Tip Top and is believed to be weighing up a sale of its South American operations.
In South America, media reports estimate Tip Top could be worth about $400 million, while the sale of Fonterra’s South American operation could reap the dairy co-operative $1 billion.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

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