Plans to build a new 45,000t dockside grain storage and handling facility at Montrose in Scotland have been unveiled.

The project, part of the Montrose Port Authority’s quayside development, is a joint venture between local farming group Angus Cereals and Openfield. It has been supported by a £2.26m grant from the Scottish Executive.

Their aim is to professionally condition, segregate and store a range of crops – including feed and malting barley, and oilseed rape – from farms across the region, mostly within a 5-30 mile radius of Montrose.

The port facility has been modelled on the existing Aberdeen Grain business and will include flat-store storage and high capacity intake, as well as a 150t/hr grain dryer and laboratory facilities. The aim is to ensure a maximum 72-hour collection from time of combining, seven days a week over the harvest period. Openfield will be responsible for the grain marketing.

“We see Montrose as essential to secure the long-term viability of our business, one which will improve efficiency along the supply chain and provide significant benefits for all parties,” farmer member, David Fairlie, said. “We expect to be operational for harvest 2011.”

Openfield’s Scottish manager, Bruce Ferguson, said the new facility would help alleviate Scotland’s historic problem of poor infrastructure forcing growers to sell grain immediately at harvest, putting them in a weak selling position.

“If we couple this with eliminating unnecessary costs through more efficient use of energy for drying and handling, as well as improved haulage efficiency, this will lead to significant processing and marketing benefits for growers,” he said.

Around 25-30 farm businesses have signed up to the project and others interested are advised to contact Openfield’s Gavin Will on 07831 698 714.