National sugar negotiators to address York growers

The NFU’s national sugar negotiators will be in York next week (Thursday) to update growers on how ‘fever pitch’ discussions with British Sugar have concluded.

The negotiations have been conducted with increasing urgency since the announcement that York sugar factory would close next year - threatening the livelihood of 1200 local growers and a further 1500 people in associated sectors.

Now the NFU’s national sugar board chairman, John Hoyles and national sugar adviser, Helen Kirkman are planning to address Yorkshire growers at an open meeting on Thursday 3 August at Strensall Village Hall at 9.30am, in the full expectation that negotiations will be completed.

The move comes hot on the heels of this week’s meeting between local growers and British Sugar in Peterborough yesterday (July 25).

Speaking after the meeting, York East grower and NFU Council Representative, Rosey Dunn said the hour-and-a-half-long meeting had been useful and had given growers a chance to have their say.

“British Sugar are adamant about the decision they have made,” she said, “but frankly we remain to be convinced about the arguments they are putting forward for closure.

“As a result, we did our very best not only to emphasise the devastating impact that this decision will have on farmers supplying the factory but also to reassure British Sugar that Yorkshire growers remain committed to their sugar beet crop and can rise to the challenge of growing more beet and producing higher yields, if given the chance.”

Now all affected growers are urged to attend the open meeting next Thursday, when the NFU aims to provide much more detail on the package that has been negotiated. This will include information on the new contract for all growers next year - which will be vital as it will establish the price sugar beet will command in 2007/8.

The price will be crucial in helping York growers decide whether or not the crop will remain viable should it be transported to Newark, the next nearest factory following the York closure.