Co-operative Difference 2026/27
Everything you need to know about the 2026/27 season.
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WHAT’S NEW
Streamlining the Co-operative Difference
In 2026/27, you'll only need to complete two achievements (instead of 7) to achieve the first step of the Co-operative Difference (Te Pūtake/ The Start).
There's no change to Te Puku, Te Tihi or Customer Incentives.
Why have we made changes for the 2026/27 season?
We have removed 5 of the 7 requirements needed to achieve the first step of the Co-operative Difference (Te Pūtake/The Start).
Our focus is on saving you time where we can, and ensuring that the Co-operative Difference clearly connects certain on-farm practices with the additional value we can secure for your Co-op. These changes are about reducing duplication (many achievements are already included in the Terms of Supply), while keeping our focus on sustainability and best practice.
Requirements for Te Puku/The centre and Te Tihi/The Peak levels will remain the same.
There’s also no change to the customer incentives attached to the Co-operative Difference or to the Fonterra Farmers’ Terms of Supply.
UNDERSTAND THE CHANGES
Learn what's needed at each level
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The Co-operative Difference was launched in 2019 and is about setting the Co-op up for success into the future by securing opportunities to create value and managing potential risks to existing value.
Te Pūtake has been reduced from 7 requirements to two requirements.
Strong farmer uptake means many practices are now business as usual. This reduces some of the duplication between the Co-operative Difference and Terms of Supply.
There is less to prepare for the Farm Dairy Assessment and fewer things to get checked off to achieve the Co-operative Difference.
No. Standards remain in Terms of Supply. The change removes duplication and keeps the focus on outcomes.
The removal of Workplace 360 from the Co-operative Difference doesn't reduce the importance of good working conditions or the Co-op's commitment to this issue.
Good employment practices and animal care remain expected as part of running a responsible farm and supplying the Co-op. Workplace 360 was initially included to build awareness and capability, and that progress has been made across the majority of farms.
Farmers can still access Workplace 360 through DairyNZ.