News
Fonterra: "playing field is still tipped"
10 Jun 2019Fonterra has responded to the New Zealand government’s review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA), saying that the proposed changes will bring some improvements to the sector, but it also represents a missed opportunity to better support New Zealand.
Fonterra Chairman John Monaghan said that, while the government has recommended tweaks to the rules under which Fonterra has to give its farmers’ milk, effectively at cost price to foreign-backed competitors, the playing field is still tipped against New Zealand dairy farmers.
“Our farmer-owned co-operative wants an industry that promotes investment across regional New Zealand and where profits are kept in New Zealand. We stand for an industry where New Zealand farmers are paid well for their milk and the unique attributes of our environment are protected and enhanced,” said Monaghan. “Given the significant increase in competition within the New Zealand dairy industry, we’re disappointed the government did not recommend removing the requirement for us to supply our farmers’ milk to large, export-focused businesses altogether.”
“We welcome the government’s decision to give Fonterra the right to refuse membership to our co-op where a farm is unlikely to comply with our terms of supply, or where the farm is a new conversion. These changes will support our co-op’s ability to meet our customers’ demands and continue leading the industry toward a sustainable future for our farmers and the rural communities in which they live and farm.”Fonterra says it supports greater pricing transparency across the industry and notes with interest the government’s decision that the Minister of Agriculture will be able to nominate one person to sit on Fonterra’s Milk Price Panel.The government should, according to Fonterra, extend this transparency and require all processors to publish the average price they pay to farmers, the key parameters of their milk price and examples showing the payout that would be received for different parameters.“All efforts to bring greater pricing transparency into the dairy industry should be encouraged. There’s no downside in farmers having clear, consistent information from which to compare processors,” said Monaghan. “We look forward to constructively participating in the upcoming legislative process and will continue to push for an outcome that is in the interests of all dairy farmers and New Zealand.”Related news
Consumers dislike faba beans’ sensory profile
3 Jun 2024
Consumers display low acceptance of faba beans, with sensory properties such as bitterness a core concern, a study suggests. However, for product varieties such as cocoa-free chocolate, this attribute could prove to be a benefit.
Read moreFood scientists uncover new way to preserve nutrient and flavour quality
29 May 2024
Researchers have developed a method that guarantees food safety for low-moisture products, such as dried milk, while maximising quality by retaining vitamins, minerals, and flavours, they say.
Read moreFDA scrutinizes milk pasteurisation over HPAI risk
28 May 2024
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is undertaking additional scientific research work to ensure that approved pasteurization processes are rigorous enough after retailer milk tests showed contamination from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPA...
Read moreMagnum targets ice cream lovers’ moods with new flavours
2 May 2024
Unilever-owned Magnum has released a suite of “mood-inspired flavours” as the 2024 ice cream season kicks off. The offerings, marketed as the Magnum Pleasure Express, are Magnum's first foray into the “mood-food” category.
Read moreThe eight global food trends shaping the future of dining
23 Apr 2024
Unilever’s Future Menu Trend 2024 report identifies the global food trends shaping the food service industry, providing insights into changing consumer preferences that could provide inspiration for packaged food and drink brands.
Read moreReport outlines how the US interfered with marketing restrictions on formula across the globe
18 Apr 2024
A recent investigative report by ProPublica unmasked the extensive interference by the US government in international regulations concerning the marketing of formula.
Read moreUltra-processed food intake in South Africa at concerning levels, study suggests
19 Mar 2024
As South Africa considers introducing front-of-pack warning labels and strict marketing limits for unhealthy foods, research has found that low-income South Africans get around half of their calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – “a cause for con...
Read moreIndia’s mithai market develops new ingredient and flavour profiles
18 Mar 2024
Mithai is a hugely popular dessert and sweet snack in India and manufacturers are experimenting with unique ingredients, new flavour combinations, and healthier versions to capture new audiences.
Read moreUnilever and Perfect Day’s animal-free dairy dessert: Is precision fermentation the future of dairy?
6 Mar 2024
Perfect Day, a precision fermentation dairy supplier, has partnered with Unilever's Breyers, a brand of ice cream and frozen dairy desserts, to launch Breyers lactose-free chocolate frozen dessert.
Read moreMacauba oil emerges as potential rainforest-friendly palm oil alternative
1 Mar 2024
Producers and researchers consider the rainforest-friendly credentials of Macauba palm oil and whether its sustainability credentials offer an opportunity to replace palm oil.
Read more