Government's helping hand for Dairy reputation

Federated Farmers thinks the new Market Connections Fund is an excellent initiative to help New Zealand businesses build back their relations with overseas customers.

“The dairy industry has some ground work to do after the fall out of Fonterra’s recall of product,” says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy Chairman.

“We know a number of dairy exporters have been affected by this. Many have had product stuck in ports, which is hardly their fault.

“Relationship building needs to be done face to face if it is going to mean anything and I know this is going to be a huge help to those who are serious about repairing the damage done.

“The New Zealand Trade Enterprise fund will reimburse 50 percent of travel costs for New Zealand based employees, which means that businesses’ will have to put their hand into their own pocket. This will sort out those who mean business out from those who are looking for subsidised holiday.

“Dairy farmers know their products are first rate in the world, and that New Zealand is a world class safe producer of food, however this has been put to the test.  We want our exporters to get out there and re-establish themselves and this is the helping hand they needed,” concluded Mr Leferink.