increase font size
Marise James.
Former Fonterra director Marise James says the future of the dairy industry depends upon the direction of travel with respect to climate change.
"Farming has always been the backbone of the New Zealand economy, seeing us through really tough times and creating a place in the world that recognises the value of high-quality food, fibre and health production.
"However, I fear that the industry's ability to continue to deliver in that space is being compromised by poorly thought-through strategic responses to climate change that will result in many of our farming enterprises being unable to continue.
"We only need to look at the stance that banks are taking regarding funding fuel stations to realise that the flow-on effect could be catastrophic for farmers, either directly or indirectly."
She's reluctant to comment on Fonterra's plans to offload its consumer business in NZ, Australia and Sri Lanka.
"I am not close enough to it anymore to know much detail. I have always believed that Fonterra's strength was to be a 'preferred ingredients supplier' to the big brands.
"Having said that, there are a few long-serving brands that have served the business well over many decades and I am nervous to think we might let them go. Brands like Anmum, etc are synonymous with the New Zealand dairy industry."
James says winning the New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year competition with her husband in 1994 was a highlight. Being awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 1998 is also right up there, she adds.
"But the biggest highlight has been meeting so many amazing people, who have become very special friends through being clients and/or colleagues through the years.
"Farming is one of the few industries I know where people are so willing to share knowledge and experience to help others. It has been amazing."
A new nationwide survey shows New Zealanders expect farmers and food producers to play a leading role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but also gave them higher marks than most industries for their current efforts.
OPINION: We are endlessly told that livestock are responsible for half of New Zealand's total emissions.
OPINION: Climate change is shaping up to be one of the major issues at next year's general election.
OPINION: The Financial Times, a major international newspaper, featured New Zealand on its front page at the beginning of June. It wasn't for the right reasons.
OPINION: Across rural conversations, we're heading the same tune: crisis.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
The New Zealand Fish & Game Council has announced a leadership change in an effort to provide strategic direction for the sector and support the implementation of proposed legislative changes.
AgFirst, New Zealand's largest independent agribusiness consultancy, is turning 30 - celebrating three decades of "trusted advice, practical solutions, and innovative thinking".
