For more than 150 years, New Zealand farming families have worked alongside nature’s rhythms, passing their expertise down through generations.
It's this depth of knowledge that makes Fonterra farmers world leaders in grass-fed pasture-based farming systems, and why many regenerative agriculture practices like rotational grazing are simply part of how we farm.
Our future depends on the natural environment we rely on, so we're focused on three key areas: animal wellbeing, climate and nature. It's how, season after season, we’re committed tocreating goodness for generations.
The Grass-fed Difference
Pasture-based farming in New Zealand is unlike farming in most of the world. Our cows are grass-fed2 and graze outdoors on pasture year-round, roaming freely in their paddocks. We are experts at growing grass and New Zealand farmers have spent generations working with the land, evolving their practices to help produce naturally nutritious grass-fed milk.
Climate
Reducing emissions across our value chain continues to be a critical focus for our climate action plan and net zero 2050 ambition. We are focused on improving the efficiency of our operations and energy use, while working alongside farmers, suppliers, customers, and industry partners to support meaningful progress.
Nature
Nature is fundamental to how we farm. We’re focusing on the three natural resources which are vital to the ongoing success of Fonterra and farmers - land, water and biodiversity. Our ambition to contribute to a nature positive1 future means both reducing our impact and helping to regenerate ecosystems across our value chain.
Animal Wellbeing
Cows are at the heart of every dairy farm. Our cows are valued and treated with care and respect throughout their lives. New Zealand's pasture-based farming approach and high health and welfare standards mean our cows live longer, productive lives.
Supporting customers with their own sustainability journey
New Zealand is one of the best countries for farming grass-fed dairy. Our belief is our pasture-based system, focus on animal wellbeing, continued emissions reduction efforts and data transparency can support customers in their own sustainability journeys.
1A global societal goal defined as to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 on a 2020 baseline and achieve full recovery by 2050. To put this more simply, it means ensuring more nature in the world in 2030 than in 2020 and continued recovery after that. Find out more about the Nature Positive Initiative here.
2Grass-fed means cows mainly grazing on grass and crops in paddocks where they roam. Some farmers may include supplementary feed to help support cows’ nutrition. Visit here for more information.