Gavan Herlihy
Opposition Agriculture Spokesperson
Sunday 26 March 2000
Call for new dairy deal
National Agriculture spokesperson Gavan Herlihy said today he was disappointed New Zealand dairy farmers have been
denied the opportunity the mega-merger would have offered to improve their cash-flows.
"It has been apparent in recent weeks that the two big companies have had different agendas for the future structure of
the dairy industry.
"With the Dairy Group now having a majority share of New Zealand's milk but not being able to exercise that dominant
position in the Dairy Board, structural change isinevitable.
"Now that dairy leaders have opted not to go down the mega-merger route, I call on them to advance their plans for the
future.
"To reduce commercial uncertainty for the dairy industry and to build on its status as New Zealand's No. 1 industry,
industry leaders must quickly develop and put before farmers and Government their alternative to the now defunct
mega-merger," Mr Herlihy says.
Ends