2009 beet negotiations come to an end

NFU Sugar Board Chairman William Martin has sent a letter to sugar growers informing them that the lengthy 2009 beet price negotiations are now over. British Sugar has agreed to pay a fixed contract price of £26 per adjusted tonne, plus an increase in the transport allowance that will average £1 per adjusted tonne.

In the letter, Mr Martin said: "While progress has been made, the NFU does not endorse the offer. Ideally we would have liked to get to a position where the NFU could have actively recommended the price but it has become clear that British Sugar is not prepared to pay a price that will satisfy all growers. I would like to acknowledge the support of growers. The NFU is holding contracts for 25% of contracted tonnage and this has had a positive effect on discussions."