The Next Generation

Friday 28th May 2008

Recently appointed Cornwall Farmers’ Chief Executive, Simon Birch, is very pleased to inherit a financially secure and robust business serving the needs of members and customers. The business model is sound, servicing agricultural customers with a broad range of inputs ranging from animal feeds to fertiliser from market leading business partners. Cornwall Farmers own brand products, such as Duchy Blends and Pinnacle Feeds, continue to have a strong following and provide future opportunities. Cornwall Farmers is also proud to provide market leading machinery products and services. Finally, our Country Stores business is very successful and continues to exceed all sales and profitability targets. We have a very strong base on which to build a platform for the future, ensuring Cornwall Farmers remains a strong independent, sustainable agricultural co-operative providing competition and value for our membership.

Peter Thomas, Cornwall Farmers’ Chairman, wrote to the membership in April setting out steps we were taking to consult on the future direction and structure of some areas of our business. The continued commitment to core values in agriculture and continued presence in farming communities in both Devon and Cornwall has been a strong theme in the feedback we have received during this process. We have listened and would like to update you on progress as well as some key decisions taken by the Cornwall Farmers Board of Directors:

We announced a consultation process for the planned closure of three country stores namely, Liskeard, Holsworthy and Launceston. We have listened to our staff and members and the decision to keep Launceston store open was taken early in the process. I am now pleased to confirm the decision to also keep both Liskeard and Holsworthy open has been made. We hope that by taking his decision we demonstrate our commitment to supporting our members in these communities. We have strong plans to revitalise these stores but their long term viability depends on your support.
We have completed the machinery rationalisation and the team remain focused on delivering the highest quality service to members. The team also concluded that staying at Roche remains the best option for serving the Central Cornwall customer base and we look forward to building a strong business from that base.
The proposed changes to grain trading arrangements with Wessex Grain outlined in previous communications continue and come into force as planned from 1st July 2010.

“I commend our staff for their positive behaviour and continued enthusiasm during this difficult period,” remarked Simon. “I believe this is a very positive start to the next chapter in Cornwall Farmers evolution and we look forward to the future with optimism.”

“Finally, I extend a personal invitation for you to meet with me and the management team over the coming months to share your views, whether at the various shows and events, commencing with the Royal Cornwall Show or by visiting you on Farm.”