FSA boosts farmers with approval for grain storage merger
THE Financial Services Authority has approved plans for merger between Stratford-upon-Avon-based Arable Crop Storage and a storage facility in Cambridgeshire.
Following a review of the business in 2010 the board of directors at ACS concluded that a merger would be the best way for it to deliver the level of service and market access needed by farmers.
With ACS already part of the OpenfieldNetwork of stores, the decision was taken to approach Camgrain, a fellow member of the network and the UK’s largest farmer-owned central storage business, to consider how a merger could unlock value for members.
The 27,000 tonne Stratford Advanced Processing Centre is the fourth site in the Camgrain operation, sitting strategically alongside two stores in Cambridgeshire and a new 70,000-tonne facility at Kettering, which will be operational for harvest 2012.
ACS said the merger with Camgrain would secure access to more valuable markets meaning growers across the region could invest in their businesses with greater confidence.
Jo Robinson, an ACS director who farms at Brackley, said: “With modern combine harvesters capable of clearing 300 tonnes or more of wheat a day, our members required a level of service that reflected their needs. The programmes we have initiated since working with Camgrain have supported that.
“A major attraction of Camgrain as a partner was its reputation for delivering quality grain to end-user specifications which has enabled it to secure contracts for its members with high guaranteed premiums.”
For organic growers the Stratford APC will be registered to handle crops from harvest 2012 onwards.
“The Midlands is home to some of the biggest names in baking and flour milling and the investment we have managed to secure following the merger will ensure we are able to upgrade facilities and deliver the raw product as demanded by the end-user. This will ensure we are able to satisfy those markets for quality grain on our doorstep,” added Mr Robinson.
