An exciting programme of events awaits delegates at this year’s world sugar conference, being held in the UK for the first time. Up to 200 delegates from across the globe will meet in Cambridge from July 19 to 22, for the 10th World Association of Beet and Cane Growers Conference (WABCG10), hosted by the NFU.
The agenda boasts an impressive line-up of speakers from all sugar-producing continents who will convene along with other sugar leaders to address economic, environmental and technological issues in the sugar and ethanol industry. Highlights of the conference include addresses by the UK Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman, the European Commission’s Lars Hoelgaard and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, who is providing an opening address at this prestigious event.
NFU sugar board chairman, William Martin said: "This conference provides a unique forum for leaders of beet and cane growing organisations worldwide to meet and discuss common interests, challenges and solutions. All the key players and most of the world’s sugar producers will be there and our speakers include experts from Brazil, Australia, India, South Africa and Europe.
"Nowhere else do delegates have such good access to sugar and ethanol experts and representatives of equivalent organisations from around the world. Topics this year include world trade, contractual conditions and farm practices, technical developments and agriculture’s response to climate change."
The format of combining presentations, discussion panels and field trips creates plenty of scope for interaction between delegates and speakers making it hugely popular. This year there is also a full day technical tour, hosted by British Sugar which includes a factory tour and field visit to Broom’s Barn Research Station.
The social dimension of these conferences plays a valuable role in forging lasting alliances between delegates who benefit from discussing issues in a more informal setting. This year’s conference is no different and will kick off with a sponsored Welcome Drinks event at The Fitzwilliam Museum and close with a spectacular Gala Dinner at King’s College, with a banquet followed by entertainment by the Bootleg Beatles.
UK beet growers are being given a unique opportunity to attend all or part of this year’s conference, free of charge, simply by registering a place via the dedicated website www.wabcg10.com or by contacting the NFU on 024 7685 8616.
