News in brief: British Sugar has offered £38 per tonnes to its 2,300 sugar beet growers for the 2024-25 season amid ongoing price negotiations with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
British Sugar has offered its 2,300 sugar beet growers a price of £38/t for the 2024-25 growing season, even though price negotiations with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) are still ongoing.
According to a news report, the two sides have been at loggerheads over an acceptable price for next year’s crop for months, and recently appointed an independent arbiter from the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution to help in the process.
The NFU has criticised British Sugar’s offer, calling it inadequate’ and outrageous. Also, the union has argued that growers need a higher price to cover their rising costs and ensure a sustainable future for the sugar beet industry.
The subsidiary of Associated British Foods, on the other hand, has defended its offer, arguing that it is a fair reflection of current market conditions. It has also pointed to the fact that it has offered a number of other incentives to growers, such as a yield protection scheme and a cash advance.
It is not clear yet whether the two sides will be able to reach an agreement on price before the 2024-25 growing season begins. However, the appointment of an independent arbiter is a sign that analysts say shows that both sides are committed to finding a solution.
