Grain co-ops in talks over high energy costs

Grain storage experts will discuss ways to mitigate the effects of high energy costs as they strive to secure a more sustainable future for the sector.

In what is believed to be the first gathering of its kind for 20 years, representatives from nine farmer-owned grain storage co-operatives will meet in March to discuss the challenges they face ahead of this year’s harvest.

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Ag-inflation is among the top issues.

Although wholesale gas prices have now fallen to levels last seen just before Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago, businesses still face high gas and electricity costs due to global price pressures.

“All the stores face the same challenges,” said Philip Darke of Camgrain. “Times are volatile and we are all affected by energy costs. Last year’s dry summer meant grain drying costs were minimal – but a wet year would prove extremely expensive.”

The meeting will take place on 22 March at Silverstone, Northamptonshire.

Camgrain will be joined by representatives from Aberdeen Grain, Coastal Grains, Isle of Wight Grain, Lingrain, Trinity Grain, Union Grain, Weald Granary and Woldgrain.

Operational and safety issues will also be discussed at the meeting.

With many stores constructed in the 1980s, talks will also centre on ways to replace ageing infrastructure and the need to recruit the next generation of staff into the business.