Suffolk MP Dan Poulter wades into sugar beet price row

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dan Poulter - whose constituency represents 177 beet farmers - said the growers should benefit from globally high sugar prices.

But he fears they are being short-changed by a British Sugar "offer" and has called on the company to enter "constructive talks" with National Farmers' Union (NFU) Sugar, which represents growers.

A row erupted after British Sugar emailed its 2,300 growers four weeks ago with a base price "offer" of £38/t while talks were ongoing - but in stalemate. Growers are currently getting £40/t.

British Sugar said a "significant number" had signed up.

The NFU was furious - as it felt the company was circumventing the talks process.

Now NFU Sugar arranged two grower meetings - one at Newmarket racecourse from 7pm on November 29 and another at Lincolnshire showground from 7pm on November 30.

Dr Poulter said he had been approached by "many" concerned beet growers who sought his help in achieving a fair negotiation. He has also raised the matter in Parliament.

He pointed out that global sugar prices are at an all-time high and says he is concerned that British growers feel they are not set to benefit sufficiently from current market conditions.

“It is vital that our hard-working farmers are treated fairly and secure a fair price for their sugar beet crops," he said.

"British Sugar’s avoidance of the statutory process thus far has made it challenging for this year’s negotiations and I strongly encourage British Sugar to enter into constructive discussions with the NFU to bring forward a fair resolution for the sugar beet growers in Suffolk.

“I have raised this issue in Parliament to actively support the position of the NFU as the negotiating body for the 177 sugar beet growers in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich and as a longstanding supporter of our farmers and food producers, I will continue to do all that I can to achieve and fair and proper outcome.”

A British Sugar spokeswoman said: “Last week we temporarily paused our contracting screens for the 2024/25 sugar beet to help facilitate negotiations with NFU Sugar, and these are ongoing. We are aiming to agree a contract for next year’s crop as soon as possible.”

Because British Sugar is growers' sole customer, the government has put a structure in place to try and ensure market balance. This involves annual talks between the company and NFU Sugar to arrive at a fair price.

Poor weather globally has pushed up beet prices. British Sugar said NFU Sugar chairman Michael Sly said most farmers had pledged to support the union's negotiating team.

The unilateral contract offer was "in total disregard for the integral role played by the NFU in these negotiations and is a violation of the vital protection which the NFU provides to growers", he added.