Fonterra Farmers Committed To Sustainable Practices: Brown

MEDIA RELEASE

20 February 2013

Results Show Fonterra Farmers’ Committed To Sustainable Practices: Brown

The final Dairying and Clean Streams Accord (DCSA) findings have illustrated the positive effect Fonterra Farmers’ sustainability efforts have had on the environment.

Ian Brown, Chairman of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council which represents Fonterra Farmers’ interests, said the outcome was a fantastic result and a tangible confirmation of the hard work done by Farmers.

“Ultimately the success of these initiatives rests with our Farmers’ commitment to the cause and in this regard they deserve high praise for their efforts.

“We are becoming more aware that the actions we take on farm can have an effect at a local environmental level and in turn on perceptions and requirements in our communities and overseas markets.”

With the DCSA coming to an end Mr Brown said Fonterra Farmers would continue to work to support the dairy industry’s new initiative – the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord (SDWA) which continues the focus on protecting and improving water quality.

Mr Brown said the industry wide initiative took into account the interests of all stakeholders in trying to find a balance between economic and environmental requirements.

“We understand that managing to limits and protecting our resources also ties into the long-term viability and success of our businesses.

“Increasing Farmer awareness of sustainability requirements and initiatives and ensuring the support of the Co-op is behind them in their compliance efforts is vital to improving on these results.
“It takes a lot of hard work and Farmers will continue to play their part.”
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ABOUT THE FONTERRA SHAREHOLDERS’ COUNCIL

The Fonterra Shareholders’ Council represents the interests of Fonterra Farmers to the Board of the Co-operative and plays an active role in monitoring and assessing the governance and performance of Fonterra. There are 35 Councillors who are all Shareholders elected by their fellow Farmers in wards across New Zealand.

ENDS

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