AIMING to investigate emerging opportunities and improve competitiveness for the grain industry on the west coast, a group of growers formed the Eyre Peninsula Co-operative Bulk Handling at a meeting in Port Lincoln last week.
The co-op idea culminates several months of work by local farmers, seeking ways to improve the competitiveness of the grain industry, as EP’s grain handling and storage charges are among the highest in Australia.
"In the first instance, the purpose of EPCBH is to pursue any advantageous opportunity that may arise from the possible development of a new port facility by Iron Road at Cape Hardy, for the benefit of co-op members, as well as the broader community,” co-op spokesman Bruce Heddle said.
Mr Heddle is among the initial EPCBH board directors, along with Graham Waters, Peter Swaffer, Trevor Cliff, Ray Ellaway, Len Kelsh, Tim Scholz and Ed Hunt.
The directors believe the new co-op will achieve solid support from EP farmers and were keen to speak to potential members.
The group is also looking forward to talking with existing companies and are open to new ideas put forward by farmers and people involved in the grain industry of the region.
