Cambridgeshire-based, farmer-owned grain marketing and storage company Fengrain is expanding into Kent and growing its operation in East Anglia.
 
The co-operative, which already markets grain for 900 members in the Eastern Counties, is opening up a new grain marketing operation in Kent, which will be trading from January 2016.
 
It is also building 10,000t of storage capacity in Norfolk, as part of a joint venture, to be able to increase the tonnage of malting barley it currently handles.
 
The expansion strategy will offer growers greater choice in the market and new opportunities at a time when profit margins are under pressure.
 
Fengrain chairman Paul Wilkinson said: “Fengrain is established as a significant operator in the UK grain markets, leading the way on returns to members, service level and value for money.  
 
“During the year we have taken steps to expand our geographical coverage so that farmers in new areas have the opportunity to share in Fengrain’s business model. Whilst we remain focused on local grain marketing and storage we are ambitious to grow.”
 
The Kent grain trading business will be managed by experienced buyer Tim Porter, who will join Fengrain as a senior trader early in 2016.
 
Tim will join Fengrain’s existing team of buyers and specialist traders and will work to develop the business in the Kent region. He will be based at an office near Canterbury, but with full support and back-up from the head office team at Wimblington.
 
Farmers in Kent and neighbouring counties will benefit from access to the full range of Fengrain contracts, pools, prices and marketing options and will also be able to receive advice on the best delivery points for crops.
 
“I am delighted to be joining Fengrain, a business that is owned by and works for farmers with a great team and reputation. I am really looking forward to this fantastic opportunity of working co-operatively with farmers in Kent to develop the business,” he said.
 
“Fengrain is a strong, grower-focused business with an impressive track record. It has had some fantastic harvest pool results in recent years. It is also able to offer growers unique contracts with valuable premiums, with the grain supplying some of the leading food businesses in the country.”
 
The development in East Anglia is part of a joint storage venture with the Crisp Malting Group (CMG). Silo construction at the maltster’s Great Ryburgh facility in Fakenham will commence in January. Phil Garnham will also join the team from Anglia Farmers in mid-January as a malting barley specialist to advise farmers and growers.
 
Bob King, commercial director at the Crisp Malting group, said: “Crisp Malting Group are very pleased with the announcement of the start construction of our joint venture storage project at Great Ryburgh which will further strengthen our malting barley supply from Fengrain.”
 
The financial strength of Fengrain was highlighted by the decision to distribute £500,000 in appropriations among its members, following a vote in favour of the proposal at Fengrain’s AGM on 7 December.
 
Robert Munro, Fengrain Managing Director, said: “Fengrain is an independent business that has been operating for more than 40 years and currently markets grain for over 900 members. We work for British farmers and offer consistently high service levels to everyone we deal with by making sure that we do what we say we are going to do.
 
“Our strategic expansion programme will allow us to work with more growers and continue to grow the business for the benefit of all its members.”
 
The deadline for farmers wishing to sign up to Fengrain’s 2016 Harvest Pool is 1st January 2016 with the deadline for its other pools 1st April 2016. Farmers in Kent are invited to join.
 
Farmers who would like to know more about working with Fengrain can call 01354 742209.