Dear sir/madam The 10th December 2007
FARM PLASTIC RECYCLING
The Cumbria Farmer Network is a not-for-profit company run by farmers for the benefit of farmers in Cumbria, working on behalf of its members to help them improve profitability. Some activities we undertake give quick benefits and some take a longer time to bear fruit.
In the case of plastic recycling, we decided to take on the management of the Cumbria Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme from Cumbria FWAG in April 2006, when they indicated they wanted to finish their involvement. Since then we have sought to find the best way of recycling plastic at the most economical price and, because we have been able to talk to processors on behalf of a significant number of farmers, we have managed to negotiate a price structure in Cumbria that is lower than most parts of the country.
Over the last 6 months we have again reviewed how we recycle our plastic and have been talking to Brampton Skip Hire and Solway Recycling. After some long deliberations the Board has decided to set up a joint scheme with Solway Recycling, with an agreement that runs for 12 months, with the hope that this can continue over a longer period if things work out well. The reasons for this decision are as follows:
1. We believe the service offered by Solway is more comprehensive than we can offer, with collections either from farm, from local mini-hubs or area centres across the county. They are also offering a Waste Policy folder with all the relevant documents inside, the option to buy storage bins, liners, recycled products and use a new hazardous waste collection service.
2. The price charged for collection at area centres and mini-hubs is the same as we charged this year.
3. They offer discounts to members on recycled products, storage bins and the hazardous waste collection service.
4. The Farmer Network has negotiated a deal with Solway that will allow us to give members a rebate on their membership to the value of £2 per liner at the end of the year for every liner sent to our joint recycling scheme with Solway Recycling.
We have asked Solway to organise the area collections, which last year ran in January and June. We are planning area collections with Solway in January/February and June and will be in touch with details nearer the time. The Farmer Network plans to help members set up local mini-hubs, with collections locally at their convenience, provided 20 or more liners are collected per site. We will be in contact with you about this.
The other important change for 2008 is that farmers will not have to be members of the Cumbria Farmer Network to use the scheme. However, we hope you will recognise the value of remaining a member, with discounts for members on certain aspects of the new service, the hazardous waste service, other products from Solway Recycling and a rebate at the year end based on usage. Please contact the office in the first instance, if you want to get discounts on products from Solway Recycling, so we can verify your membership.
Members also have other benefits, like being able to use the new carcase disposal service for small animals, get discounts from local suppliers, take your livestock transport tests through our low cost service, receive regular information on input costs, grants and advice and even discounts on the video diaries that the Network has produced (ideal presents).
I realise that the change to plastic collection is significantly different and, I have to say that the decision has not been easy however, we believe the new offer is a good one. We ask you to stay with us as a member, realising that high membership levels gives us greater negotiating strength when agreeing prices of services for members (e.g. plastic recycling), both now and in the future. A reduction in members would significantly weaken our bargaining position. Also we will always be working to develop new services to improve members’ profits and we will be monitoring how well the new plastic recycling service works for members. The company has just been trading for 18 months, we need your continued support please.
Yours sincerely
Will Rawling
Chairman
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