Archive Article: 2001/09/28
ADASsees rosy future on-line
INTERNET based trading is leading to more competitive prices for many agricultural inputs and will allow 24-hour trading.
The initiative by ADAS and its newly acquired globalfarmers business will expand the range of products available on the internet, explained ADAS head of group development Andy Offer.
The main benefit for producers is more competitive prices for many farm inputs, such as seeds, fertilisers and animal health products.
Suppliers benefit from reduced administration and selling costs, enabling them to maintain margins in an increasingly competitive environment, he added.
In addition, the internet allows access to 24 hour trading, so purchases can be made outside office hours.
However, Mr Offer reassures producers the telephone trading service at globalfarmers, which proved popular, is still available with access to ADAS experts for technical advice.
"Electronic trading also cuts down on paper work and allows rapid price comparisons between suppliers ensuring a good deal is made."
ADAS Direct is already a successful telephone based trading service supplying livestock, milk quota, semen and dairy compounds and a range of arable inputs.
"The globalfarmers initiative is a natural extension of this service and both will co-operate to deliver a wider range of products and a choice of trading methods," said Mr Offer.
The service is available to all producers and provides access to more than 200 suppliers. The trading team will source any product which is not currently shown on the site. A small commission charge is levied on the suppliers, based on the value of the trade made, he added. *