Openfield

Openfield is a British grain co-operative based just off the A1 in Lincolnshire. It is one of Britain's largest agricultural companies and one of Britain's largest co-operatives with a turnover in excess of £700m. It markets grain for farmers and grain stores. In other countries, mainly Canada, this type of company is known as a wheat pool. The head office is based on the former RAF North Witham and prominent customers include Coors UK, Sainsbury's (via Whitworth Bros) and Warburtons.

Openfield is a member of the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme, and work with the fertiliser supplier GrowHow UK. It is also a member of the Agricultural Industries Confederation.

History

It was formed in November 2008 from the merger of Centaur Grain (of Andover) and Grainfarmers (of Micheldever, Winchester). It is now the largest UK farmer owned merchant and one of the largest companies in Lincolnshire, by turnover. The Colsterworth site opened in 1980. Tim Davies was also the Group Managing Director of Grainfarmers. Richard Beldam was the Chairman of Centaur Grain.