Sugar beet

Defra has given ‘clear direction’ negotiations should resume after British Sugar offers growers contract despite no agreement with NFU Sugar

The union has written to the Farming Minister asking him to exercise powers available to set the sugar supply price after negotiations broke down and British Sugar communicated its contract offer to growers without agreement

NFU Sugar and British Sugar have so far failed to reach agreement on the 2024/25 contract

NFU Sugar says the offer from British Sugar is inadequate

With most sugar beet generally looking good after recovering from late drilling and a slow start, BBRO’s Beetfield demo day highlighted ways to maximise crop potential. Martin Rickatson reports.

NFU crops board chairman Matt Culley is a fourth-generation farmer from Hampshire working in partnership with his parents and brother.

With aphid activity increasing and many sugar beet crops behind because of delayed drilling, the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) is advising growers to monitor crops and review aphicide options.

Sugar beet growers are facing increasing rejections at the factory this lifting campaign following frost damage and now wet weather.

Sugar beet crops are starting to regrow following much-needed rain in the east of England. After the extended spell of very hot, dry weather, many crops had lost a significant amount of canopy.