Aus Dairy Farmers’ Co-Operative Forum Held In NZ

Wednesday 8 May 2002

Australian Dairy Farmers’ Co-Operative Forum Held In New Zealand

Leaders from the Australian and New Zealand dairy industry met in Auckland this week to discuss topics of mutual interest around the co-operative structure, industry performance and deregulation as part of the seventh Australian Dairy Farmers’ Co-operative Forum.

The Forum, this year themed “New Co-operative Structures in the New Zealand Dairy Industry”, has attracted more than 60 delegates representing Chairmen, Directors and CEOs from 11 Australasian dairy companies.

“The close links between the New Zealand and Australian dairy industries, formed on occasions such as this, are valuable to farmers on both sides of the Tasman. While we may have slightly different structures, and differing environments, we face many of the same challenges,” Fonterra Co-operative Group Director Gerard Lynch said.

“We were delighted to have our Forum in New Zealand for the first time this year. It has been an invaluable two days with many constructive discussions taking place and participants having the opportunity to share experiences,” said John O'Connor, Industry Performance Consultant from Dairy Research & Development Corporation, Australia.

Speakers at the Forum representing Fonterra included Chief Executive, Craig Norgate, and Chief Financial Officer, Graham Stuart. Other addresses were given by Debbie Perkins of Rabobank, Lewis Evans from ISCR Victoria University, Brenda Wardlaw from Standard & Poor’s and Alan Frampton, Chairman of Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company.

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