What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says as a farmer he is angry and disappointed with today's arbitration decision over the false botulism scare in 2013.
Speaking at a media conference with chief executive Theo Spierings, Wilson said the decision did not fully recognise the terms of supply agreement between Fonterra and Danone.
However, Wilson says he accepts the decision to award Danone $183 million in damages.
“We will now turn our attention to delivering the best possible returns for our farmers despite this outcome,” he says.
He added that Fonterra’s management is also committed to this.
Wilson and the management team briefed the Shareholders Council on the arbitration decision before the media conference.
He says there is also frustration among shareholders.
Danone sought damages for recalling products; the precautionary recall was a result of a false test from a third party.
Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.
When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.
New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.