Fresh AF in France… Hosting the UK’s Largest Buying Group

Fresh AF continue their educational tours with a visit to TIMAC AGRO headquarters in France.

After an overnight ferry to Saint-Malo, a specially selected group of individuals arrived at TIMAC AGRO International for an extensive tour of our industry-leading facilities.

This insightful trip forms part of the Fresh AF programme, created by the AF Group to educate and inspire the next generation of agri-professionals with the aim to help strengthen the future of UK agriculture.

FRESH AF…

After a well-received launch in March this year, 20 ambitious individuals were chosen to be part of this initiative, involving a “year-long programme of visits to inspiring places, people and businesses leading their field”.

TIMAC AGRO are pleased to collaborate with The AF Group in this judicious venture and were delighted to host the cohort of forward-thinking farm owners, agronomists, farm managers, and other industry professionals.

AT THE HEART OF TIMAC INNOVATION…

The visitors were welcomed onto French soil with a glorious sunrise, accompanied by traditional baked treats and an introduction to Groupe Roullier (parent company of TIMAC AGRO).

The first tour was of the CMI (Centre Mondial de l’Innovation Roullier), our worldclass research centre comprising high-tech laboratories and experimental greenhouses. Our scientists and researchers from around the world explore all possible angles in the CMI, to continue developing innovative farming solutions that have set us apart since 1959.

After further French refreshments, a tour of the factory was next on the agenda; allowing these farming professionals the opportunity to witness the processes involved in formulating our advanced solutions.

The final visit for our guests was to the Minerallium – an impressive scientific exhibition that offers a uniquely immersive experience exploring the essential role played by minerals from the very creation of the Earth to their use in sustainable agriculture today. This educational exhibition was created via the Roullier Endowment Fund (brainchild of Daniel Roullier) which contributes to the transition to sustainable agricultural systems in France and internationally.

FEEDBACK…

It was a pleasure for TIMAC AGRO to host this resoundingly positive collaboration and help to support these fresh decision-makers within farming.

Lee Oxborough, Head of Crop Inputs at The AF Group and co-founder of Fresh AF reported:

“The facilities, investment and innovation are extremely impressive at TIMAC AGRO, but so too are the people; enthusiastic, passionate, and fully committed to finding solutions to the problems that global agriculture faces.”

Fresh AF participant, Louise Nobbs (Agronomist at Velcourt and successor to Suffolk family farm), commented: “TIMAC brings helpful solutions to farmers, enabling them to reduce inputs and improve output whilst maintaining sustainability. It was very interesting to understand the extensive research and processes behind the products.”

This meeting is another positive chapter in the partnership between the AF Group and TIMAC AGRO UK, promoting innovation within our agricultural practices and sustainability for British farmers.