Tynegrain sows the seeds of success

Sep 21 2009 North East Vision, The Journal

SCORES of North East farmers will reap the rewards of a new grain drying facility thanks to the growing success of One North East's Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

The seven-year programme (2007- 2013) – jointly funded by the EU and national Government – is supporting and promoting sustainable farming, forestry and food sectors bringing wider benefits for the economy, environment and rural communities.

The latest beneficiary is South Shields- based Tynegrain Ltd – a farmer-owned co-operative storage, processing and marketing facility with 114 members in the region and a 75,000 tonne capacity – which has received £135,000.

One new grain dryer has already been installed which will increase the drying capacity with another to be installed after the harvest, opening up valuable new markets for farmers’ crops.

It has also allowed Tynegrain to enter into supply agreements, via its marketing agent Grainco Ltd, with large branded food businesses which it had not been able to do before.

A new intake pit will also speed up intake at harvest time, while one full-time post will be created instead of the seasonal worker currently employed.

These improvements mean that a large number of farmers in the region who are working together co-operatively to improve the performance of their own business will reap the rewards sooner rather than later.

Tynegrain had reached its maximum capacity prior to the RDPE investment so new members will now be able to join the co-operative providing further benefits across the region.