Fonterra's organic business has been going from strength to strength in recent years, with the co-operative now inviting applications from farmers in the South Island, New Zealand, for the first time.

The new South Island recruitment of farmers interested in converting as well as existing organic farms will initially focus on those located around Southland and up to the Canterbury region. This is in addition to continuing to recruit more organic farmers in the North Island, where more than 100 farms are currently part of the Fonterra Organic Programme.

Anne Douglas, Group Director for Fonterra Farm Source, said the expansion into the South Island is another positive news story for the co-op.

"We already have a strong performing organic business but have more room for growth based on increasing demand from customers around the world," said Douglas.

"Our plan is to be able to process organic dairy products at our Stirling site from the 2028/29 season, with the recruitment process starting now to allow time for converting farmers to achieve organic certification."

Before work commences at Stirling to enable the segregated processing of organic milk, the co-op is looking to achieve minimum recruitment targets in the South Island that would ensure operational efficiencies.

"Expanding the programme seeks to offer South Island farmers another supply option and is also expected to benefit all Fonterra farmers based on the positive contribution our organic business makes to the wider co-op's earnings," added Douglas.

In recent years, the global organic dairy category has shown consistent retail sales value growth year-on-year.

Fonterra is well positioned to capitalise on the growing demand with the co-op's diverse product range, broad market access, and strong customer partnerships.

Andrew Henderson, Fonterra's General Manager (Organics), said the co-op offers support for its shareholding farmers throughout their transition to organic.

"Our support package includes conversion incentives, advice, networking opportunities and linking farmers up with peers who can mentor them through the process," said Henderson.

"Organic farming might not be the right fit for all shareholders, but for those interested in converting it has the potential to unlock additional returns.

"For example, since the Organic Milk Price was first established in 2016/17, it has delivered an average premium of ~$2 per kgMS above the Farmgate Milk Price. There's also the potential for lower input costs that are typical in New Zealand's grass-fed organic systems."

Fonterra's organic business has been running since 2002, with Hautapu, Morrinsville and Waitoa UHT producing the majority of the co-op's organic dairy products.

The Organic Milk Price was introduced in 2016/17 to provide suppliers with a market-based return for their organic milk solids.

Since the 2021/22 season, the programme's fully certified shareholding farmers have received an Organic Milk Price of more than $10 per kgMS.

New record highs have been set for the past three years on the back of growing demand, culminating in a final payout of $12.35 per kgMS last season. The current Organic Milk Price forecast for the 2025/26 season is $13.10 per kgMS.

"At the heart of this business are farmers who are passionate about the principles of organic farming and who create goodness for customers and consumers around the world that value organic dairy," said Henderson.

"We're excited about its potential for further growth and would encourage any interested farmers to get in touch."

- Fonterra

Fonterra plans to expand successful organic business into South Island, New Zealand

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