Organic milk products are in high demand overseas and the dairy giant has set a goal of processing at Stirling, near Balclutha, from the 2028-29 season. Organics general manager Andrew Henderson said they appeared to have passed a target for a minimum volume of milk to expand organic milk production in the South Island. "With an organic milk price at $13.10/kg at the moment commercially it could be quite attractive so there are a number of drivers there. Fonterra’s organic business has been running since 2002, with Hautapu, Morrinsville and Waitoa UHT producing most of the co-op’s organic dairy products. Demand is also up for organic milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate and UHT into China.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 17, 2026 16:02 UTC