Developments

DairyNZ says the Government decision to extend Essential Skills visas provides some welcome certainty for farmers and employees who have their futures at stake. Many workers and their employers have been living under a cloud of uncertainty since COVID-19 border closures, and today’s announcement should provide some relief to some of those affected. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said the changes are a positive as they will help resolve short-term pressure on some farms. “It’s great to see the Government is listening and recognises the pressures dairy farmers and other sectors are under,” said Dr Mackle. “However, it’s important to note this decision doesn’t add more workers into our workforce, so there’s still a gap between what we have and what we actually need.  It’s about helping us hold onto the valuable migrant workers we already have.” Since the closure of the border due to COVID-19, farmers have been crying out for dairy farm staff, with almost 50 percent of farmers reporting unfilled vacancies on farms. “There are plenty of jobs on farms for Kiwis and migrants but at this time the reality is, not enough Kiwis are applying for jobs. This is despite a recent survey showing 87 percent of farmers had made changes to make their business more attractive to staff, so we need our valued workers from overseas as well.” From 19 July, Essential Skills Visa holders will be able to apply for a longer visa, enabling them to remain in their current role. The application process for Essential Skills visas will also be simplified for workers remaining in current roles. Dr Mackle said while that’s a positive step, more needs to be done to ensure sufficient staffing on farms throughout the country for the wellbeing of staff and farmers, and animal welfare. “This is where […]

Fonterra has agreed the sale of its two joint venture farms in China, with the sale expected to be completed on 30 June. The farms in Shandong province will be sold to Singapore-based AustAsia Investment Holdings for USD 115.5 million. Fonterra, which owns the farms with a joint venture partner, has a 51% stake in the business and will receive NZD 88 million* in total asset sale proceeds, which includes cash on completion. The sale of the JV farms is unconditional and requires no further regulatory approvals. Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the sale is another important milestone for the Co-operative and aligns to its strategy of prioritising New Zealand milk. “The sale of the JV farms allows us to focus even more on our farmer owners’ milk and follows the sale of our two wholly owned China farming hubs earlier this year. “Greater China continues to be one of our most important strategic markets. We remain committed to our China business, bringing the goodness of New Zealand milk to Chinese customers in innovative ways and partnering with local Chinese companies to do so. We are well placed to continue to grow our business in Greater China,” says Mr Hurrell. Fonterra sold its two wholly owned China farming hubs in Shanxi and Hebei provinces to Inner Mongolia Youran Dairy in April for NZD 552 million. * Based on an USD to NZD conversion rate of 0.714 ENDS