Lincolnshire co-op Woldgrain has opened the first phase of its £4m grain storage and intake facility near Gainsborough.

The additions include an extra 18,000t of combinable crop storage bins, a 500t/hour intake system and increased grain drying capacity. Once complete next year, the site will have a storage capacity of over 50,000 tonnes.

The development benefitted from a £1.5m Rural Development grant, provided through the East Midlands Development Agency.

“With the support of Openfield, we have been able to position Woldgrain within a wider national network of grain stores that meet consumer needs,” Woldgrain chairman Richard Milligan-Manby said.

“We believe this partnership is bringing real benefits to farmers in the region, helping them add significant value to their crops and improve their bottom line.”