New Fertilizer Partnership Offers Value to Farmers

January 30th 2012

A new partnership launched on February 1st, between Countrywide and Cornwall Farmers, will offer farmers’ greater value and flexibility when purchasing fertilizer.

The joint venture sees Paul Coupe, Cornwall Farmers Fertiliser Manager take on buying responsibility for the combined fertilizer book of both Countrywide and Cornwall Farmers, buying a targeted combined volume in the region of 180,000 tonnes.

“The partnership is all about offering value to farmers,” explains Alistair Folly, Sales Director for Countrywide. “Countrywide and Cornwall Farmers are now amongst the major distributors of fertilizer in the UK, providing economies of scale for the benefit of our customers.”

“With prices as they currently are, fertilizer makes up a significant percentage of farmers total input costs. It is very much with this in mind that we have sought a solution that is workable and practical, resulting in real cost savings for our farmer customers -  who will continue to buy fertilizer from Countrywide or Cornwall Farmers as they have previously.”

Dr Robin Hawkey, Director of Agriculture at Cornwall Farmers, said:  “The agreement enables all parties to strengthen their respective positions in the fertilizer market whilst continuing to operate independently in the wider agricultural sector. Paul Coupe has significant experience in the agricultural industry and is a very well respected and professional operator. In addition Ian Lingham, who is a member of the Cornwall Farmers team, will be working out of Countrywide’s Evesham head office to support and strengthen the partnership and ensure efficient communication between both parties,” concludes Dr Hawkey.

“Such an alignment with Cornwall Farmers is a positive step forward in the ongoing growth of our agricultural business and highlights a desire for both organisations to build on their core agricultural heritage to maximise benefits for farmer shareholders and customers alike.” concludes Mr Folly.