Our thousands of New Zealand farmer owners are the heart of our Co-operative. And as a Co-op, we’re working together to realise the full potential of New Zealand dairy and create goodness for generations.
We’re working alongside farmers to provide practical insights, tools and support that can help them build resilient, sustainable farming businesses which deliver long-term value.
Fonterra farmers are required to have a Farm Environment Plan.
All Fonterra farmers receive an annual Farm Insights Report.
Which provides farm-specific opportunities, and benchmarking on environment, animals and milk performance. This helps farmers to make decisions that support on-farm efficiency.
Fonterra farmers are required to have Animal Wellbeing Plans in place.
As part of our Terms of Supply, all Fonterra farms are required to have an Animal Wellbeing Plan prepared with their veterinarian.
Rewarding and recognising farmers through the Co-operative Difference and Customer Incentives
The Co-operative Difference framework encourages and rewards farmers who consistently deliver high standards across environmental responsibility, animal care, milk quality and lower emissions milk.
Our Customer Incentives initiative rewards farmers who have low emissions relative to the Co-operative average. Through separate agreements with Mars and Nestlé, this new initiative supports farmers to access tools and solutions designed to improve on-farm emissions efficiency. Farms that have particularly low emissions relative to the Co-op average, will also receive an additional customer-funded Emissions Incentive payment.
Initiatives like these are designed to help make steady progress towards Fonterra’s on-farm emissions intensity target and support customers in achieving their own sustainability targets while recognising the hard work and commitment of farmers to improving emissions efficiencies across their farming businesses.
Farmer tools and services
Farm Insights Report (FIR)
All Fonterra farmers receive a personalised insights report of their farm’s performance. This includes their farm GHG emissions, milk quality, animal wellbeing and production data which is benchmarked against Fonterra farmers’ regional average.
Sustainable Dairying Advisors (SDA)
Our team of Sustainable Dairying Advisors work closely with farmers providing practical advice tailored to each farm. They support farmers to navigate a range of activities from herd health and managing their pastures to environmental planning.
On-farm efficiency services
Available to all Fonterra farmers, this service assesses farming efficiency opportunities, modelling their impact and provides actionable steps farmers can take to implement changes.
Farm Environment Plans (FEP)
Our Sustainability Dairy Advisors create bespoke plans in conjunction with farmers to help identify environmental risks on their farms and set practical actions to improve over time. All Fonterra farmers are required to have a FEP as part of our Terms of Supply.
Digital tools
Fonterra farmers have access to a suite of digital tools including a GHG scenario tool and efficiency dashboard to help farmers better understand how on-farm practices and inputs may affect their farm’s emissions footprint.
Our farming communities
We're working together to help provide care and support that keeps our rural communities strong and protect and regenerate the environment for future generations.
Rural Support Trust
Fonterra is proud to partner with Rural Support Trust, New Zealand's only not for profit charity providing one on one support behind the farmgate to support rural communities. The partnership highlights our commitment to support the invaluable work they do, especially during challenging times. Fonterra supports the Trust through funding and in-kind support, ensuring their long-term impact in rural communities.
Feed Out
Feed Out is a national charity working with dairy farmers and processers to supply needed dairy products to food banks throughout New Zealand. Fonterra farmers can donate a little of what they produce and have it processed, packaged and delivered to families doing it tough.
Surfing for Farmers
Fonterra is proud to support Surfing for Farmers across Aotearoa. Surfing for Farmers is a mental health and wellbeing initiative supporting rural communities by offering them an opportunity to get off farm and take a break. Surfing for Farmers operates in 28 locations and each meet up consists of a laid back surf lesson followed by a yarn and a BBQ.
Trees for survival
We are proud to work with Trees for Survival in schools across Aotearoa. This school-based programme helps communities grow and plant native species. We provide irrigated shade houses, potting mix, and eco-sourced seedlings annually. Schools transplant and plant these on erosion-prone land and waterways, collaborating with landowners for planting days.