Factory closures are a kick in the teeth for sugar growers

British Sugar’s decision to close its sugar beet factories at York and at Alscott in Shropshire has been described as a ‘kick in the teeth’ for sugar growers in Yorkshire and the West Midlands by NFU Sugar Chairman John Hoyles.

Mr Hoyles said: “This is a commercial decision by British Sugar that will come as a real kick in the teeth for the farmers who are affected by it. Sugar beet plays an important part in crop rotations and is also one of the very few crops that returns a genuine profit to the farmers who grow it.

“The decision is bound to have very serious implications, not only for farm profitability but for the entire rural economy in the areas concerned. In view of that, and the fact that British Sugar is a monopoly processor, we shall be seeking urgent talks with them. In the meantime, we shall be keeping all of our options open in terms of supporting the farmers who are affected by this decision.”