Grain store plan sets sights on Ireland

17 May 2001



Grain store plan sets sights on Ireland

By Debbie James

A GRAIN processing and storage facility earmarked for Pembrokeshire could boost exports to Ireland and add 10/t to malting barley and milling wheat returns.

The project is the brainchild of the Home Grown Cereals Authority and farmers co-operative Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers.

Under it a former seaplane hangar at the Port of Pembroke would be converted for drying, processing and storing up to 60,000t of grain.

Initial funding from the Welsh Development Agency will be used to explore the feasibility of the project.

A centralised store would help smaller producers in the area who have no access to drying facilities avoid sales direct from the field, organisers claim.

It is hoped that growers could also cash in on Irelands grain deficit, Pembroke Dock being just a three-hour sea crossing from Rosslare.

This option would offer lower transport costs than existing markets further east, it is calculated.

We believe there is demand for a centralised site which can meet the standards required by the markets in a cost effective way, says HGCA economist Julian Bell.

The storage facility could add 5/t to feed grain prices and up to 10/t for quality grains, it is hoped.

Farmer enthusiasm for the project is being gauged through a questionnaire circulated by Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers.

Funding options include Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers, Milford Haven Port Authority and EU cash.

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