Listen: Fonterra's 'positive' culture comes from the top

Fonterra CFO Marc Rivers (left), Chairman John Monaghan and CEO Miles Hurrell. Photo / Dean Purcell

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Although farmers are disappointed with Fonterra's Interim Results, they are appreciative of the co-op's open and transparent tone about "where we're at," says Marc Rivers.

Fonterra Chief Financial Officer told The Country's Jamie Mackay he has been out on the road talking to farmers about the co-op's performance.

"I think people can sense there's a real change in the culture for the positive," said Rivers.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell and Chairman John Monaghan have brought a "good tone" to the co-operative said Rivers.

Listen below:

"Of course the tone comes from the top. Both John and Miles are really down to earth. They tell it like it is and that's the path that we follow."

"I think people really appreciate that tone."

Understandably there were also a lot of "tough questions" at the meetings, said Rivers, but "those are exactly the questions that have to be asked," as farmers want to understand what is going on with Fonterra.

"We've got to get ourselves into a much better shape on the balance sheet."

Also in today's interview: Rivers talks about how Eltham celebrated 100 years of cheese last week, and gives an update on the regional Dairy Industry Awards.