Scots co-ops call off merger plans

By FWi staff

SCOTLANDS two largest supply co-operatives have scrapped plans to merge.

North Eastern Farmers pulled out of talks last week after deciding that the merger would not be in its best interests.

It described the delay caused by a challenge to Central Farmers voting procedures as “most unhelpful”, as was its inability to deliver on certain property and operating site issues.

The planned merger, which was announced in March, was expected to create cost savings and increase purchasing strength.

Last year, NEF reported a loss of 283,000 on a 43 million turnover, while Central Farmers lost 420,000 on sales of 12m.