7 April 2000
PR26/2000
DAIRY FARMERS CAN ACHIEVE MERGE CO THEMSELVES
"Recent comments by Minister of Agriculture Jim Sutton have heartened dairy farmers," said Dairy Farmers of New Zealand
Chairman Charlie Pedersen today.
"Farmers achieving direct voting control of the New Zealand Dairy Board could enable a 'top down' establishment of
Merge Co.'
"The current dairy leadership appears moribund, and cannot be compared with previous strong personalities on the NZ
Dairy Board who successfully represented farmers' views," commented Mr Pedersen.
"Overwhelmingly, pragmatic farmers view Merge Co as the most favourable option."
"Ironically our industry leaders are sitting on their hands, rather than putting them up to be counted. I am certain
these individuals will eventually pay for their reticence, and have written their political obituaries by considering
Merge Co dead."
"Merge Co is alive, as farmers are still saying that they want it formed. Only the will of the industry leaders for
forming Merge Co is dead."
"Farmers own this industry lock, stock and barrel, and DFNZ is doing all that it can to see New Zealand dairy farmers
get what they want and deserve: the best integrated dairy manufacturing marketing business in the world."
"DFNZ expected the industry leaders to deliver Merge Co. However, sadly they failed and dairy farmers must therefore
resolve this lamentable circumstance themselves with the help of the Government."
ENDS For further information: Paddy Briscoe 025-930-421 David Hopkins
06-346-5802 or 021-211-5657 Evan Baigent 03-541-8124 Kevin Petersen
04-473-7269 or 021-706 550