New Fonterra programme to support young people enter dairy
Fonterra has launched a new two-year programme aiming to support young people to enter the dairy industry in New Zealand.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), a national charitable trust providing a hybrid farmer-led vocational training model.
The initiative, co-designed by the co-op, will begin with a pilot for young people aged 16-20 in Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas, starting in early 2026.
Students will gain practical on-farm experience provided by Fonterra Farmer Trainers and achieve a qualification accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Dairy
Anne Douglas, Fonterra group director of farm source, said that the co-op is "building on a sector-wide effort to support young people entering the dairy industry".
"We’re excited to partner with Growing Future Farmers to introduce a new generation to the diverse opportunities that exist within the co-op and dairy industry.
"The programme is designed to evolve over time to ensure it continues to set students, the co-op and the industry up for long-term success," she said.
"The mentorship provided by Fonterra farmers will be hugely valuable in helping students build confidence, skills and a strong support network.
"This wrap-around support for young people entering the industry is central to creating a strong and sustainable cooperative for future generations," she added.
Young people
The pilot programme will reflect what has been learned through Growing Future Farmer’s existing programme aimed at getting young people into the sheep and beef sector.
Wendy Paul, Growing Future Farmers chief executive, who worked for Fonterra for more than 18 years and said the partnership is "a full circle moment".
"During my time at Fonterra, I saw first-hand the passion of the co-op’s farmer shareholders and the challenges they face in finding and developing great people.
"The Growing Future Farmers model combines practical experience with academic learning and strong pastoral support to set young people up for success in the primary sector.
“One of my goals in moving from Fonterra to Growing Future Farmers was to see this model extended into dairy, because there’s a clear need.
"Succession planning and how we resource both intergenerational and corporate farms in the future is top of mind for many," she added.
