Fonterra’s $3.2b capital return to farmers set to boost rural incomes and NZ economy
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
Trevelyans says one of its goals is to reduce its waste to landfill by 10% per year, with a further intention of sending zero waste to landfill by 2030.
The country’s largest family owned and single-site kiwifruit and avocado post-harvest service provider has signed up to a sustainability linked loan (SLL) with ASB.
Trevelyan’s has taken on a SLL, which requires it to commit to key environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) targets, with borrowing costs adjusted based on its performance against these targets.
The company says it has committed to three key areas of focus – reductions in both waste and carbon emissions and improved wellness metrics for its workforce.
Managing director James Trevelyan says the focus on waste, carbon emissions and wellness feeds back to Trevelyan’s sustainability framework of three key pillars – to work smart, tread lightly and treat their people with respect. “We are fully aware that sustainable practices are a longterm investment and will drive ethical and financial value for our business, our people and the planet. We are delighted to partner with ASB with this shared vision.”
He says one of the company’s goals is to reduce its waste to landfill by 10% per year, with a further intention of sending zero waste to landfill by 2030.
ASB head of sustainable finance James Paterson says it’s encouraging to see businesses increasingly focused on sustainability.
“The work from Trevelyan’s with this new SLL is a credit to them and their desire to grow a better future and tread lightly as they do so. We are proud to help bring this to life.”
Patterson says ASB is progressing well on its mission to support industry transition. The bank has a cumulative sustainable lending target of $6.5 billion by 2030 for green, social and sustainability- linked lending across the rural, property, corporate and business sectors – with around $810 million committed to date.
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.

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