Fonterra has today announced it will proceed with a shareholder vote on the change to the Co-operative’s capital structure, which would give farmers greater financial flexibility and better enable the Co-op’s strategy.
Fonterra Chairman Peter McBride says the Board and Management are united in the belief that the Flexible Shareholding structure is the best course of action for the Co-operative.
The decision to go ahead as planned has been informed by a significant volume of shareholder feedback that shows strong support for the changes.
Said McBride: “The Board is unanimously recommending the changes to our capital structure to put us in the best position to deliver the value outlined in the strategy and protect farmer ownership and control of our Co-op.
“Our strategy is focused on New Zealand milk and our future success relies on our ability to maintain a sustainable milk supply in an increasingly competitive environment, and one that is changing rapidly due to factors such as environmental pressures, new regulations and alternative land uses.
“We see total New Zealand milk supply as likely to decline, or flat at best. Our share of that decline depends on the actions we take with our capital structure, performance, productivity and sustainability. If we do nothing, we are likely to see around 12-20% decline by 2030 based on the scenarios we have modelled.
“Protecting a strong New Zealand farmer-owned Co-operative of scale is in all of New Zealand’s interests.
“Fonterra’s scale efficiencies deliver value to all of our New Zealand communities. Our milk price sets the benchmark for prices kiwi dairy farmers are paid for their milk, so even farmers who don’t supply the Co-operative benefit from it.
“Our scale efficiencies also keep our manufacturing sites efficiently utilised and increases our ability to invest in on-farm support services, innovation, new markets and product development – all of which create value for New Zealand in terms of milk price and profits returned to regions, export performance, employment, environmental performance, and community development.”
Mr McBride said the Board’s recommendation would require changes to Fonterra’s Constitution before coming into effect. Any changes to Part A of Fonterra’s Constitution requires the support of at least 50% of the Fonterra Co-operative Council (the representative body elected by its owners to represent their interests), followed by a minimum 75% support from votes cast by eligible farmers.
The Co-operative Council has already voted 92% in support of the recommended changes. For more visit Fonterra.com
