GRAIN marketer Emerald Group has set up a partnership with a local farming group in a third state, following the announcement it would set up a joint venture with new Riverina-based farmer co-operative Southern Agventure.
Emerald Group officials launched Southern Ag Grain on Tuesday, following up from successful joint ventures in South Australia, EP Grain, and in Victoria, SQP.
Southern Agventure is a recently set-up co-operative featuring members from across the Riverina, growing out of the former Lockhart Biodiesel steering committee, which was set up in 2005.
The concept behind the group, which was formed in July, but has been running unofficially for some time, is to become a strong, farmer-focused marketing business.
Organisers are keen to follow the leads of SQP and Free Eyre, Emerald’s other joint venture partners.
Emerald Group chairman Alan Winney said Emerald’s focus on grower needs had seen the business grow rapidly, and he pledged a similar grower-orientated business in the Riverina.
Southern Ag Grain will commence operations on November 2, and will be accepting grain for this season’s harvest.
Simon Wishart has been appointed to the role of grains manager.
Mr Wishart has had grain industry experience with Weston Milling and the Albury mill.
