A team of fertiliser industry veterans has launched a new crop nutrition company in East Anglia.

Payne Crop Nutrition (PCN), based at a new blending and bagging plant at Fakenham in Norfolk, serves farms across the eastern region, including Suffolk and Essex.

PCN, which describes itself as offering “old school personal service and up-to-date advice”, sells direct to farmers and through buying groups and distributors.

Commercial director David Harrod said: “The fertiliser needs of each farm can vary enormously, field by field and crop by crop.

“We are convinced that this cannot be serviced properly by ever-larger producers with ‘one size fits all’ solutions.

“Our high quality, FIAS-registered on-farm advice and soil sampling service links straight through to sourcing, production and delivery. Our brand-new bagging and blending plant can handle up to 50,000 tonnes a year; it will produce special fertiliser mixes specifically for individual farmers, matching their crops and soils, but we will also offer the normal range of straight products, delivery bulk or bagged, and spreading.”

PCN is owned by Dale Payne, whose fertiliser business was acquired by J&H Bunn in 2007, and four other ex-Bunn executives: David Harrod, former joint managing director at Bunns; Jeremy Hitcham, now PCN’s technical director, and Matthew Tooley, production director.

Between them, they have 121 years’ experience in the fertiliser business. Their FACTS qualified sales team includes former colleague Keith Parker, while Jim Holt will act as independent sales agent. Danny Blake and Miriam Waller will cover production, logistics and administration.

“It is great to bring back some familiar faces with all their knowledge and experience, especially in sugar beet, potatoes and vegetables,” said Dale Payne. “We will be putting this to good use, helping our customers add value to their businesses through efficient and correct crop nutrition.”