NFU Sugar redefines beet contract for 2010

NFU Sugar is to hold a series of meetings in the New Year to set out its vision on beet contract negotiations.

With talks for the 2010 beet contract due to start in 2009, the meetings will provide a valuable opportunity to evaluate current contracting arrangements and give beet growers a chance to air their views and any concerns. NFU Sugar will use these views in their discussions with British Sugar.

NFU Sugar chairman William Martin said: "The backdrop for the negotiations has changed considerably with the sugar market continuing to undergo structural changes. Price and quota cuts, European and global restructuring, price volatility and the politics surrounding food security and land use are all factors that will, directly or indirectly, influence our future beet supply contract and relationship with the processor.

"There are now arguably more opportunities and challenges for the industry than ever before. Contractual arrangements are the means by which the industry can address these together, with mechanisms that work satisfactorily for both parties.

"I would encourage all growers to attend the meetings. The NFU represents all beet growers and takes this responsibility seriously. Meeting growers to canvas their views directly has always been the best way to gauge the mood of growers and to understand where their future priorities lie."

The meetings will take place throughout January 2009 at the following locations:-

January 19 – East of England Showground, Peterborough (2-4pm)

January 20 – The Vikings, Goole (10.30am-12.30pm)

January 23 – Ickworth House, Bury St Edmunds (10am-12pm)

January 28 – Olde Barn Hotel, Marston (10am-12pm)

January 30 – Dunston Hall, Norfolk (10am-12pm)