Sugar beet industry boss calls for fair prices in 2025

The industry boss has outlined the top priorities for the sector and reflected on his time as board chair ahead of stepping down in March.

He said: “We’re all concerned about the current challenges facing our farming families and businesses going forward.

“Many businesses are intergenerational and rely on policy and legislation which allows them to continue to produce food, a better environment, and, where applicable, energy.

“Our ultimate priority for the year ahead must be securing regulation that safeguards the viability of UK agriculture. Fair and remunerative commodity pricing is a part of this.

“We will be focused, as ever, on securing a fair price for growers through the annual beet contract negotiation, but also on lobbying the government to clarify the Common Market Organisation Regulation for sugar to ensure that the vital, collective negotiating role of NFU Sugar cannot be circumvented in future years as it was in 2023.”

Fight against the disease

Mr Sly added that NFU Sugar remains “extremely concerned” about the ongoing threat posed by virus yellows.

“An absolute priority will be ensuring that we, as an industry, take all steps to support growers in their continued fight against the disease.

“This started with the application for Emergency Authorisation for the use of Cruiser SB seed treatment in 2025 submitted earlier this year and will continue with efforts to expedite authorisation of sustainable sprays and innovative long-term, sustainable controls showing promise in BBRO trials.

“Furthermore, we will continue to advocate more broadly for a proportionate, science-based approach to plant protection regulation, ensuring that growers retain access to a plant protection toolbox which is fit for purpose,” he added.

‘Great honour to represent the sector’

Mr Sly said that following the success of the 2024 LENs pilot trade, he is encouraged to unlock wider supply chain finance to support growers on their journey towards delivering GHG emissions reductions in sugar beet.

The pilot effectively channelled Nestlé funding directly to growers to incentivise fertiliser placement at drilling, he explained.

“We will remain focused on ensuring that growers are fairly rewarded for the environmental services which they are able to deliver on farm.

“As I look ahead to stepping down from the NFU Sugar Board in March, I must reflect on what a great honour it has been to represent our sector.

“I wish to thank all growers for their continued support and pay tribute to the talented board members, past and present, who it has been my privilege to work with.

“I would also like to express my huge appreciation for the hard work of the NFU Sugar team and the wider support of the NFU,” Mr Sly concluded.

Read more sugar beet news.