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FarmConnect is run by a group of forward thinking farmers who are committed to developing sustainable partnerships in the supply chain that can deliver real savings to both farmers and manufacturers. Richard Thompson joined FarmConnect in 2003 to push forward the strategic development of the company. This has involved looking at existing supply chain relationships and working with key players in the industry to improve efficiencies and deliver real savings to both farmer and manufacturer. Before joining FarmConnect Richard worked with ADAS for 16 years as a specialist arable consultant, team manager and latterly as project manager working on new business initiatives for the company. As well as his involvement with FarmConnect, he also runs his own consultancy business. James Daw farms 3000 acres in Staffordshire including 600 acres of potatoes grown on contract to McCain and Fritolay. In addition to his work with FarmConnect, he has also been involved with setting up 2 farmer controlled supply groups: Tame Valley Potatoes which supplies potatoes to McCain and Mease Valley Potatoes which supplies potatoes to Fritolay. James is also a Director of CFTG - this is a not for profit company, run in conjunction with Farmcare, which is responsible of all price negotiation with manufacturers and distributors on behalf of FarmConnect and Farmcare.   Roger Mercer - Managing Director Mercer Farming. The company farms over 5000 arable acres in Staffordshire and Lincolnshire. The farm also has a substantial pig unit specialising in outdoor production with sales targeted to local butchers and retailers. Roger is also a Director of CFTG - this is a not for profit company, run in conjunction with Farmcare, which is responsible of all price negotiation with manufacturers and distributors on behalf of FarmConnect and Farmcare. Steven McKendrick is the Arable Director for Mercer Farming with responsibility for managing 5000 arable acres which includes a number of joint venture initiatives with other growers. The farm is part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and has planted a number of new woodlands through the Woodland Grant Scheme and the National Forest, it is also part of LEAF. Steve is closely involved with the development of FarmConnect and its relationship with key suppliers. He is also a Nuffield Scholar - his project was on the Competive position of the UK Potato Industry which was completed in 2003. Rob Gray farms 2300 arable acres in Staffordshire growing potatoes, sugar beet and combinable crops. The farm is part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and has a successful fisheries business with 7 lakes and ponds covering 32 acres with both coarse and game fishing. As well as his involvement with FarmConnect, Rob is a Director of Tame Valley Potatoes and Mease Valley Potatoes. He has also helped set up supply groups to Fenmarc and British Sugar. John Davison farms 1600 arable acres in Staffordshire growing potatoes, sugar beet and combinable crops. As well as his involvement with FarmConnect, John is a Director of Tame Valley Potatoes and Chairman of Mease Valley Potatoes. He has also helped set up a supply group to British Sugar. His other interests include: Director of Titania Staffing Solutions, a recruitment agency supplying semi-skilled and skilled manual workers into Agriculture and a Director of Riverside Beef, a company set up to supply local, high quality beef products, produced in an environmentally friendly way, direct to consumers, butchers and caterers.