Fonterra announces joint initiative to boost sustainable dairy development

New Zealand dairy exporter Fonterra and China’s National Dairy Industry and Technology System are to establish a Dairy Exchange Centre in Beijing to support sustainable dairy development in both countries.

The centre will oversee research by China and New Zealand dairy experts on industry policy and technologies.

It will also engage in academic exchanges, industry promotion, dairy technology research and personnel training.

Additionally, the platform will provide a China-NZ Dairy Forum for sharing knowledge, research and best practices.

It will commence a ‘Golden Key’ training programme to train and provide technology solutions to dairy personnel.

Fonterra Greater China and India president Kelvin Wickham said that it is a key priority for Fonterra to contribute to the development of the Chinese dairy industry, and the co-operative believes there is a lot to be gained by both New Zealand and China through the sharing of knowledge, research and dairy expertise.

"Both parties have world-class dairy research and know-how so we are very pleased to be playing a key role in bringing this initiative to life," Wickham added.

China Ministry of Agriculture’s National Dairy Industry and Technology System scientist Wang Yuchan said, "We hope to leverage the China New Zealand Dairy Exchange Centre as a platform to learn more about New Zealand’s technology and expertise, jointly conduct research and development, and undertake technology exchanges and training on dairy sector issues.

"This will help us to promote the sustainable development of dairy in both New Zealand and China."