A new crop nutrition company has celebrated the official opening of its factory with hundreds of invited guests.

Eastern Daily Press: Payne Crop Nutrition has opened a new fertiliser plant at Fakenham. Managing director Dale Payne and commercial director David Harrod. Picture: Charles MacdowellPayne Crop Nutrition has opened a new fertiliser plant at Fakenham. Managing director Dale Payne and commercial director David Harrod. Picture: Charles Macdowell (Image: Charles Macdowell)

Payne Crop Nutrition's fertiliser blending and bagging plant in Fakenham can handle up to 50,000 tonnes a year, mixed to fit specific crops and soil types.

Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston formally opened the plant during an event on Friday, June 9, which was attended by more than 250 guests from farms and the agricultural sector across East Anglia and Lincolnshire.

Guests were also treated to an aerobatic display and a hog roast.

The team of fertiliser industry veterans behind the new plant have 120 years of collective experience.

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.'