Your Co-Operative

Cornwall Farmers is one of the largest and most successful agricultural co-operatives in the country. But what does it mean to be part of a co-operative?

Our heritage

The story began in 1920 when 12 farmers met around a kitchen table and agreed there was a better deal to be gained if they all bought their supplies together. With one big order, a cheaper price was obtained and the “profit” was shared amongst the members.

But there was a bigger gain than that! By talking to each other, the original members of the club learnt better ways to farm profitably from each others knowledge and experiences. Further, by placing several deliveries on one lorry, they cut the costs of transporting supplies to this corner of our country.

In short, they created wealth for themselves through co-operation. That remains our mission to this very day.

Our achievements

Over the last 9 decades, we have created financial benefits which when expressed in today’s money are quite staggering!

• £5 billion of products supplied
• Half a billion of costs savings passed on
• Half a billion of credit provided as alternative to a bank
• £30 million of dividends distributed
• £13 million capital wealth retained to invest in the future of farming

The members used some of this wealth to build Cornwall Farmers into the most comprehensive network of branches and sales specialists dedicated to the counties of Devon and Cornwall. Cornwall Farmers is recognised as part of the infrastructure of the rural community in our part of the world.

Our mission

To create wealth for our members and employees through co-operative supply to farmers and the entire rural community.

Our aims and values

Cornwall Farmers is committed to:
• Our members by creating wealth and customer loyalty through efficient and cost effective supply of products and advice.
• The farming and food industry by promoting profitable and sustainable farming and horticulture.
• Our staff by encouraging them to develop to their full potential in a safe working environment.
• Everyone who enjoys the outdoor life by giving access to high quality products, advice and service.
• The rural communities of the West Country by acting as a responsible employer, corporate citizen and neighbour.
• Our beautiful countryside by recognising the West Country landscape enjoyed by so many is a managed one. We promote viable and environmentally acceptable farming practices to preserve the landscape for today and tomorrow.