Open entry and exit assured

Fonterra Chairman Henry van der Heyden today responded to a statement by Open Country Dairy and said Fonterra will always have open entry and exit for its farmers.



“It is inconceivable to think that anyone would suggest otherwise. It is simply out of the question. Our farmers will always be able to come and go as they please and be able to buy and sell their shares.



“This was a key principle in the foundation of Fonterra. It’s not going to change.”



“What Open Country Dairy is really worried about is Fonterra strengthening its financial position so that it can be more competitive in the global food market, and improve returns for Fonterra farmers in future years.



“Ultimately any refinement to Fonterra’s capital structure that helps improve farmer returns will be a positive move, not just for our farmers but for the whole of New Zealand,” Mr van der Heyden said.