New Chairman, New Chapter, New Challenge

Friday 18th April 2008

Cornwall Farmers continued its evolution by announcing their new Chairman of the board of directors. Peter Thomas takes up the position having served as a main board director for 15 years.

Peter farms 1,300 acres of predominantly arable land at Coswarth near Newquay. He was a founding director of Cornish Grain, a marketing co-operative, and more latterly Kernow Grain, the county’s main grain storage facility.

William Thomas (no relation) retires as chairman after 12 years in the position. He will remain on the board of directors.

Adrian Shute takes over as Vice Chairman after 4 years as a director. He and his family run an enterprise including a 400 sow pig unit, 150 single suckler cows and 600 acres of grass and arable land.

Peter Thomas expressed his views for the future. “Cornwall Farmers has seen substantial change and development in recent times. It is fitting that this progress is mirrored at board level too. After the AGM of last month we introduced the Hon Evelyn Boscawen as the co-operative’s new President. In July 2007 we welcomed Dr. Geoffrey Vernon and Roland Ley as new directors. We are very fortunate to be able to attract such a wealth of talent to the senior management of the co-operative.”

Cornwall Farmers has seen rapid growth in recent times and that seems set to continue. In 2003 the co-operative supplied £50million of products and services to arable and livestock farmers alike together sales to the general public through its 16 country stores. Despite a declining market, the turnover grew to £64million last year and is predicted to exceed £80million in 2008.

“Whilst this growth is most welcome, it does place even higher levels of responsibility on the co-op’s directors, who are in one sense acting as trustees for the 4,000 farmer shareholders,” stated Peter.  “The team we have to go forward remains a good one. It balances experience with youth and now includes financial and commercial experience from wider industry to compliment our practical knowledge of the farming industry.”

Peter also paid tribute to Mr. William Thomas (no relation) who steps down from the chair after 12 years in that position. “William has been a committed and inspirational leader. During his time in office, Cornwall Farmers took its first steps outside the county, acquired seven complimentary businesses including Countrywest in 2006. Moreover he hands over the company in a sound financial state. He should be proud of his stewardship.”

Peter concluded that Cornwall Farmers would continue to move forward. “Farmers have had to adapt to free market conditions since the removal of production subsidies in 2005. Fortunately the demand for food production is increasing again with the emergence of developing economies in China and India and an ever expanding world population. New opportunities exist. I look forward to working with the new team and all our staff to excel for our members.”