New Zealand-based dairy firm Fonterra has announced plans to work jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to help developing countries increase their dairy nutrition knowledge.
The partnership, 'Framework for International Development in Dairy Excellence,' Fonterra and MFAT will create programmes and initiatives for relatively undeveloped dairy industries to help them enhance their food security, knowledge and nutrition in emerging markets.
As a part of the partnership, initiatives will be undertaken to increase on-farm milk safety and quality standards, raise farmer productivity and profitability, build cooperative governance, increase collection of milk and transport, and enhance educational nutrition programmes with local communities.
Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings said that it would focus on working with markets where the company is building consumer presence.
"New Zealand and our dairy industry have an important, global role to play in promoting dairy as a source of good nutrition and helping developing economies meet the local demands of their populations for dairy products.
"This is particularly important in emerging economies where an increasing knowledge base and rising incomes sees an increasing number of consumers turning to dairy products," Spierings added.
MFAT CEO John Allen said: "We are pleased to be able to sign this Framework with Fonterra. It will allow MFAT to investigate potential future projects in areas like building the capability of farmers in developing countries, or enhancing co-operative models and business structures."
