Director Samual Valor said significant animal welfare and environmental issues would arise as a result of Westland's decision to cease milk for an indefinite period.
"Canaan Farming has participated in Westland Milk Products' Farm Excellence ('Farm Ex') quality assurance independent audits for several years, and has been given a 'role model' or 'fully compliant' status in virtually every category.
"Our farms are run to very high standards, and comply with all relevant legislation, as confirmed by the Farm Ex programme."
No children worked on the Canaan farms, Valor said, though they may occasionally feed the calves.
Canaan Farming was committed to the highest standards of farming, supporting its workers and their families, and providing top-quality milk from its farms.
"We are committed to being transparent with our business partners and constructively resolving any concerns or issues they may have."
Westland Milk said the injunction, filed in the High Court at Greymouth, asked the court to compel the company to honour the terms of its milk collection contracts with Canaan, specifically to require it to continue to collect milk from its three farms.
"Both parties have agreed that Westland will continue to collect Canaan's milk until the court has determined Canaan's application for an interim injunction," a spokeswoman said.
- Greymouth Star
