Global Co: Real Unease Among Waikato Farmers

MEDIA RELEASE

11 June 2001

Global Co: Real Unease Among Waikato Farmers

“The turnout of more than 120 people at the Quality Hotel at Hamilton yesterday highlights a growing ground-swell of unease among farmers about Global Co”, said Mark Masters, spokesperson for Farmers for a Better Dairy Deal.

“The strong turnout was very heartening given the extremely short notice of the meeting”.

“Farmers have not made up their minds about Global Co. Global Co’s nightly polling is still showing that Waikato farmers are not convinced.”

“Farmers have a real hunger for information about the options, and for open debate about the pros and cons of Global Co”, said Mr Masters.

The tragedy is that industry leaders have suppressed information and stifled informed debate.

“Farmers are feeling bulldozed into a ‘yes’ vote for Global, with the leaders claiming the a ‘no’ vote will cause the sky to fall in”, lamented Mr Masters.

“Sadly, some farmers are saying, ‘let’s just get it out of way – even though Global Co has lots of problems’. Many are fed up with the constant harassment and bombardment by Global Co”

“This is simply tragic. It’s absolutely shocking that farmers have been forced into this corner. Industry leaders can take no pride in press-ganging farmers like this.”

“Our group has two objectives. First to give farmers all the key information, so they can make an informed decision. Second, we want to point out the advice of leading industry advisers that Global Co is not flash. Without major changes, it simply won’t deliver the industry’s growth strategy”.

“Our group will continue put out all the information in the lead-up to the June 18 vote. Yesterday’s meetings in Hamilton have encouraged us to keep going, to service farmers’ thirst for objective information”.

“This whole Global Co thing has grown its own momentum even though lots of key people know it’s flawed. But gosh, why keep marching into a big bog when you side-step it?” concluded Mark Masters.
ENDS
Inquiries to:
Mark Masters (025) 541 729
Hilary Webber (025) 907 342
Malcolm Bailey (06) 323 8147

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