About us
Crop Marketing Groups is an independent, farmer-owned business offering expert grain marketing services in the UK. Each member owns one £50 share.
With access to free market-leading analytics, support from Cefetra Grain and the power of local marketing committees, Crop Marketing Groups ensures you are equipped to sell smarter, not harder. We offer flexible pool marketing and direct sales contracts (members’ choice), along with seed and fertiliser supply, all backed by transparency, personal service and genuine collaboration with farmers.
We do more than just market grain – we help our members to actively shape their own grain marketing strategy.
Local marketing committees with real decision-making power: Each of our regional marketing committees plays a key role in determining grain price fixing for our pool. Committees gather market intelligence, set selling mandates and make timely sales decisions on behalf of their members.
Member-only grain marketing services: Crop Marketing Groups markets grain exclusively for its farmer members, ensuring full transparency and complete alignment of interests. Where possible, we prioritise local grain sales, keeping transport costs down and supporting regional markets.
Full transparency and no surprises: Our transparent grain marketing model ensures that committee members receive real-time updates on all sales, including pricing and logistics costs. This way, there are no surprises at the end of the pool period, members remain informed at every stage.
Independent operation with the strength of Cefetra Ltd: While Crop Marketing Groups operates independently under the Cefetra Grain umbrella, we benefit from economies of scale and access to Cefetra’s full range of services and facilities. Our lean, dedicated team delivers highly personal service with expert attention to detail.
High-quality sampling, testing and allocation: We take pride in careful grain sampling, quality testing and precise allocation to the most suitable markets. This process leads to fewer claims, minimal rejections and maximised value for our members’ crops.
A community of like-minded farmers: Beyond marketing, we offer a valuable platform for networking, peer support and knowledge sharing. Our members regularly engage in open discussions, sharing experiences and supporting each other on a variety of farming and business topics.
- Farmer-controlled ownership
- Transparent grain marketing process
- Access to expert market intelligence
- Flexible contracting options
- Reliable seed and fertiliser supply
- Strong local representation
Crop Marketing Groups is currently owned equally by 550 farmer shareholders, within the 11 regional groups.
Each group has its own marketing Committee, led by a chairman who also sits on the Crop Marketing Groups Board. Through a partnership with Cefetra Ltd, we manage all marketing, administration and accounting with a dedicated team of experts.
Crop Marketing Groups operates independently, with our own bank account and auditor, while benefiting from Cefetra’s global network, giving members access to major UK and international markets.
We prioritize marketing within a 50-mile radius to reduce haulage costs and risks. We market conventional, organic and low carbon (Cefetra Ecosystem Services) crops, offering both pooled and members choice options for maximum flexibility.
Crop Marketing Groups’ story began in 1970, when a group of forward-thinking farmers in Gloucestershire came together to form a cooperative grain marketing group. With support from the West Midland Farmers Association, the group quickly grew, including a small network in South Wales. Many of these pioneering families remain active members today, continuing a legacy of collaboration.
In 1992, seeking greater independence, the farmers established Crop Marketing Groups Ltd (CMG) as a standalone business. Gloucester, South Wales and Southern CMG (Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset) laid the foundation. Over the years, more regions joined: Unicorn CMG (Berkshire, Hampshire) in 1997, followed by Central CMG (Warwickshire, Worcestershire).
Driven by a shared vision, we expanded further with Ouse Valley CMG in 1999, extending our reach across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. In 2000, Grainfarmers plc took over as marketing agent, later merging with Centaur to form Openfield in 2007.
The network continued to grow: Wheatsheaf Group (Stamford/Rutland) and Scotland Group (Perth/Inverness) joined in 2006, followed by West Anglia (Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire) and White Horse (Kent) in 2015. Most recently, West Essex Group (Essex, East Cambs, Suffolk) was added in 2025, strengthening our national footprint.
In 2024, Crop Marketing Groups partnered with Cefetra Ltd, unlocking new opportunities through Cefetra’s extensive UK and global market access. Today, we remain committed to supporting its farmer members, combining local expertise with international reach to market conventional, organic and low carbon grain.
