(05-09-2022, 04:57 PM)harm_less Wrote:
(05-09-2022, 10:27 AM)SueDonim Wrote: The key point about Fonterra is that it is a co-operative of the farmers that was set up to manage the milk products they produce. While looking into the feasibility of non-dairy products is a good thing, I would not expect the farmers that own Fonterra to be too happy about them being part of it. There was one quoted in the article, but I suspect he might be an outlier who hasn't thought it through. The core business is dealing with milk and milk powder and it's not that long ago that some of the companies producing value-added products were sold off.Have a read through the comments following that Stuff piece to see what farmers' views are on this situation.
I don't see many comments that look like they're farmers - they are probably out working on their farms and too busy to read Stuff. I don't either (read Stuff that is).
Some of the comments are referring to Fonterra apparently being late to the game, which shows that the people don't understand that Fonterra's sole purpose is to look after its farmers rather than go in direct competition. Then there are those hung up on all the other issues like animal welfare and the environment. These are also important, but Fonterra's direction in relation to these needs to also include loyalty to its shareholders.
(05-09-2022, 05:39 PM)Zurdo Wrote: Co-operatives are the foundation of Socialism....
Yes, they are, and we see the cost of them getting too big and not supporting their members as they should. Currently thinking apartment corporate bodies and the kiwifruit industry as well as what Fonterra is doing. The cooperatives start out with good intentions, then the owners lose control, and their benefits, when they grow.