Former nfu sugar board chairman dies

NFU Sugar has lost a very valued member after Mike Blacker passed away on Tuesday April 17, aged 65. He had been unwell for some months

Mike was a member of the NFU Sugar Beet committee for over 20 years, vice chairman for nearly 15 of those and was elected chairman in 2002. Mike stepped down as chairman of the Sugar Board in 2006 due to ill health but remained an active member until very recently. In earlier life, Mike was also an active member of the YFC, holding the office of National vice chairman for England in 1974 and National chairman for England and Wales in 1975.

In Mike's long and distinguished career he also represented UK beet growers on CIBE, the European beet growers association, was a long-standing member of its governing body and vice chairman of the technical committee. In addition he represented UK beet growers internationally, holding the position of vice president of the World Sugar Beet and Cane Growers Association (WABCG). In 2005, Mike Blacker led a delegation of over 100 UK growers in a peaceful rally of European growers in Brussels to show opposition to the Commission's sugar reform proposals. Speaking at the time Mike said: "UK growers are doing something to draw attention to the flaws inherent in these proposals which, in their current form, would disadvantage efficient industries like ours and create unacceptable distortions. We are here to make sure the Commissioner and ministers get that message."

NFU chief sugar adviser Helen Kirkman said: "For those who knew Mike or had the pleasure of working with him, it was his sense of humour, enthusiasm and seemingly boundless energy that set him apart and allowed him to make lasting alliances and friendships both personally and professionally. There is no doubt that Mike's tireless commitment to the sugar sector and his determination to reinforce a positive image of agriculture has made his contribution over the years remarkable. He will be greatly missed."