ForFarmers acquisition by 2Agriculture triggers competition concerns

The anticipated acquisition of a Norfolk ForFarmers feed mill by poultry company 2Agriculture has raised competition concerns as per the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The watchdog has initiated an in-depth 'phase one' investigation into the deal involving Boparan-owned 2Agriculture. The CMA's findings indicate that this acquisition could lead to a noticeable reduction in competition within the poultry feed supply market to East Anglia farmers, leading potentially to increased prices for farmers and downstream effects on retailers and consumers. Both ForFarmers, based in the Netherlands, and 2Agriculture are major players in the UK poultry feed supply market. The investigation found that the main impact would be felt around the Burston site, one of the two feed mill sites, while the second site in Radstock, Somerset raised no significant competition issues. Concerns include potential lessened capacity to service independent farmers and processors, leading to higher costs and reduced service quality. Joel Bamford from the CMA expressed concerns about potential worsening competition which could raise feed costs and affect consumers.