The co-operative called the move ''a significant step up in its relationship with farmers'', saying ''Farm Source'' would support farmers and strengthen Fonterra's connection with New Zealand's rural communities.
At the launch in Methven on Monday, Fonterra chairman John Wilson said Farm Source grew from discussions with farmers, and embodied the ''together as one'' principle behind co-operatives.
''Co-ops have always been about unity and collective strength and we have a lot of both. This is about putting it to work for our farmers so we all benefit.
''With Farm Source, we are taking our relationship with our farmers to a whole new level through connected services and support systems developed for them.''
Hubs would be set up in the major dairying regions; Methven's was opened at the launch.
Fonterra said it was ''a new community asset, combining rural supplies retailing with a drop-in lounge for farmers, facilities such as meeting rooms and a home base for Fonterra's regional on-farm support team''.
John Wilson said the hubs could also be the home base for community groups in each region.
The Farm Source package included:
- Seventy-one hubs, most within 25km of 90% of Fonterra farms, where farmers can access area managers, shareholders' councillors, sustainable dairy advisers, technical sales representatives, a vat assets team, food and safety advisers and local networkers.
- Rewards to reduce the cost of farm supplies and services.
- Farm Source ''dollars'' to return loyal farmers a share of profits from the hubs.
- Farm supplies in store and online, with exclusive offers for Fonterra farmers.
- Farm Source digital - an online way for farmers to manage their business with Fonterra.
- Financial tools for managing shares, capital and business.
- Sally Brooker