Jenny Shipley Leader of the Opposition

18 June 2001

National welcomes dairy farmers' decision to go with Global-Co

National Leader Jenny Shipley has welcomed news that dairy farmers have made a clear and decisive decision in support of the formation of Global-Co.

"When National began the process of discussing the future framework of the dairy sector we made it clear that the sector belongs to dairy farmers, and as such it was crucial they made the key decisions," Mrs Shipley said.

"Farmers have today given the Global-Co a clear mandate, and National will do its utmost to facilitate and support the creation of the necessary legal framework.

"Much of the real work still lies ahead, in terms of the detail of that legislative framework. I can give dairy farmers a 100 percent commitment that National will work constructively on that task alongside other political parties, and officials from Global-Co and the relevant Ministries.

"A key concern is ensuring that the interests of New Zealand consumers are fully considered, and that a fair system is put in place in terms of establishing domestic prices for milk and dairy products.

"We will also work to ensure the new framework establishes a fair process for valuing the shareholding of individual farmers. In that way farmers can retain the freedom to decide in future whether to stay with Global-Co or withdraw their capital and invest in a new company.

"The dairy industry is in a commanding position, as the earner of one-quarter of New Zealand's wealth. Today's decision will allow the sector to take further steps forward," Mrs Shipley said.

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