Fonterra joins hands with MFAT to enhance dairy production in developing countries

New Zealand-based co-operative dairy Fonterra will be working together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to help developing countries increase their dairy nutrition knowledge and build economically viable farm systems to focus on food safety and quality.

Through ‘Framework for International Development in Dairy Excellence’, Fonterra and MFAT will create programmes and initiatives for relatively undeveloped dairy industries to help them enhance their food security, knowledge and nutrition in emerging markets.

As a part of the partnership, initiatives to increase on-farm milk safety and quality standards, raise farmer productivity and profitability, build cooperative governance, increase collection of milk and transport, and educational nutrition programmes with local communities will be undertaken by both the organisations.

Speaking about the programme, Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings said: "New Zealand and our dairy industry have an important, global role to play in promoting dairy as a source of good nutrition and helping developing economies meet the local demands of their populations for dairy products.

"We’ve been dairy farming and processing for over a hundred years, and sharing that expertise with others ensures a strong reputation for dairy quality and safety globally. This is particularly important in emerging economies where an increasing knowledge base and rising incomes sees an increasing number of consumers turning to dairy products."

MFAT CEO John Allen said: "New Zealand is one of the best-performing agricultural nations in the world. That is why MFAT is seeking to use its expertise and innovation and that of Fonterra’s to bring about development solutions.

"We are pleased to be able to sign this Framework with Fonterra. It will allow MFAT to investigate potential future projects in areas like building the capability of farmers in developing countries, or enhancing co-operative models and business structures."