Friesland­Campina Members’ Council adopted proposals to strengthen Cooperative's attractiveness and appoints Board member

On Wednesday, 12 June 2024, the Members’ Council of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A. adopted a series of proposals aimed at member retention, member recruitment and member financing. Additionally, the sustainability strategy was endorsed, and Wietse Duursma was appointed as a member of the Cooperative’s Board and as member of the Company’s Supervisory Board.

Member retention, member recruitment and member financing

The Members’ Council approved an integral package of proposals This package includes both renewed and new measures, such as the adjustment of the farm takeover regulations, the extension of the milk volume scheme, the introduction of a volume surcharge, a temporary exemption from the entry premium for new members and an improvement in the liquidity position of member dairy farmers through the conversion of fixed member bonds into member bonds free by 21 June 2024. In addition, it was decided to expand the cooperative's area of operation in Belgium to entire West and East Flanders, recruitment of new members will start there as well.

Nils den Besten, board member of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A., said: “These measures will make the cooperative more attractive to new members. In addition, they offer new opportunities for our existing members and support them in terms of liquidity, growth and business acquisition, enabling investments in the future of both members and the cooperative.”

Sustainability strategy ratified

The Members’ Council also endorsed the sustainability strategy aimed at member dairy farms. FrieslandCampina focuses on offering good nutrition, in balance with people and the planet. To take the right steps throughout the chain, sustainability requires a joint strategy and approach from both the company and the cooperative. The strategy for dairy farms focuses on bringing sustainability results to value in the market by the company, offering knowledge and tools to member dairy farms and unlocking innovations and collaborations. FrieslandCampina rewards the sustainability results of its member dairy farmers in the areas of animal health and welfare, climate and biodiversity through the ‘Foqus planet Sustainable development’ programme. The sustainability targets remain unchanged.

Wietse Duursma appointed as Board member and Supervisory Board member

Sybren Attema, Chairman of the Board of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A. and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., said: “With Wietse Duursma, we get an experienced and down-to-earth director and supervisor on the Cooperative Board and Supervisory Board. He understands the challenges of the sector both from a farmyard perspective and from leading an international organisation. We look forward to further build the cooperative and the company with him.”

From 10 December 2024, the Cooperative Board will consist of eight members and the Supervisory Board of nine members, including four Cooperative Board members, one member dairy farmer of the cooperative and four external Supervisory Board members.

Business update

During the Members' Council, CFO Hans Janssen gave a brief business update, indicating that FrieslandCampina has made a strong start in 2024 in terms of profitability and operations compared to last year.