Listen: Fonterra announces new sustainability approach

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Fonterra has announced details of its new approach to sustainability on-farm.

It says the Co-operative Difference will make it easier for farmers to know what is expected today and in the future, as well as recognise those farmers who are taking steps to produce high quality milk in a more sustainable way.

Co-operative Affairs Managing Director Mike Cronin spoke to The Country Early Edition's Rowena Duncum about the new strategy.

Sustainability will be a key focus for Fonterra, to maximise its New Zealand heritage and uniqueness, and help it to remain a globally competitive New Zealand co-operative.

"Consumers want to know more about their food, where it comes from, how it's made and what the goodness is in it," said Cronin.

Listen below:

'We want to make sure that we're reflecting what their expectations are. Co-operative Difference is going to help with that connection."

The Co-operative Difference was developed in consultation with farmers who wanted Fonterra to simplify and reduce complexity of requirements and provide direction on priority on-farm improvements.

The strategy also aimed to increase pride in the co-op by recognising high performing farms in a way that aligns with Fonterra's values.

How The Co-operative Difference will support Fonterra's emerging strategy direction:

• Recognising farmers who go beyond the minimum requirements to supply high-quality milk, care for their animals, protect the environment, support their people and community, and engage in their co-operative.

• Helping other farmers follow suit by making existing on-farm requirements easier to understand and by providing tailored, industry-leading support services to those who want to improve.

• Providing more information and advance notice to farmers about the co-op's future aspirations so they can plan and progress towards Fonterra's shared ambitions.

• Streamlining reporting and auditing to save farmers' time and energy, and help the co-op protect its market position, strengthen its sustainability claims, and drive demand for products that customers and consumers value most.

• Supporting farms wanting to improve, while taking a firmer line with those that persistently fail to meet minimum standards, and exercising our rights to suspend collection.