Inside the Fonterra Organic Dairy Conference

Connection, Collaboration, and a Clear Path Forward for Organic Milk

By Charlotte and Russell Heald

The annual Fonterra Organic Dairy Conference is always a highlight—an opportunity to step away from the farm and gather with like-minded producers who share a deep commitment to organic dairy. This year was no exception. The message was loud and clear: there is a massive demand for the organic milk products that Fonterra produces here in New Zealand.

Discussions throughout the day centred on how to meet that growing demand. There was real momentum around increasing supply, not just by supporting existing suppliers like us to grow, but also by welcoming new farmers into the organic programme. The vibe in the room was one of opportunity and optimism.

One standout moment was connecting via video link with the Ancient Organics team in the United States, who use Fonterra organic butter to make traditional ghee. Their enthusiasm for the health benefits of their product was infectious, and they had nothing but praise for the quality of ingredients sourced through the Fonterra Organic programme.

The conference also included a valuable farmer panel focused on strategies to improve milk quality. It was a practical, peer-led session filled with shared knowledge, challenges, and smart ideas we’ll take back to the farm.

As always, the passionate Fonterra Organics team were front and centre—championing organic milk here in Aotearoa and promoting its value in global markets. It’s reassuring to know the team behind the scenes shares the same vision we do.

There was also robust kōrero around the Gene Technology Bill and its potential impact on the organic sector. These are critical conversations, and it was encouraging to see strong engagement from both farmers and Fonterra.

We came away feeling energised, informed, and reaffirmed in our decision to convert to organics. A special mention to Mike and Merryn Ashton, who were recognised for their outstanding performance in milk quality, well deserved.