As trade pressures mount and food security rises to the political agenda, Britain’s sugar beet sector has taken its case directly to Westminster.
Industry leaders and producers gathered in parliament to highlight the value of domestically produced sugar and appeal to ministers for a policy environment that protects domestic production.
NFU and participants from the UK Sugar Supported Sugar Industry Program (SIP) met with 17 MPs at a parliamentary reception to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The talks focused on food security, the need for trade policy to support UK agricultural interests, and the potential of agritech innovations such as precision breeding.
The event comes at a time of heightened uncertainty for arable farmers, as producers face rising input costs, climate change pressures and concerns that future trade agreements could reduce domestic production.
Sugar beets remain the basis of many crop rotations and support a significant part of the UK’s homegrown sugar supply.
Agriculture Minister Dame Angela Eagle spoke at the reception, outlining the Government’s priorities for agriculture in the coming months and recognizing the contribution of industry.
She described the beet sector as “an important part of the agri-food economy in the East” and said she “welcomed the opportunity to hear about it and how the Government can support its continued success”.
Baroness Minnette Batters referred to the recent Farm Profitability Review and highlighted the importance of the beet sector to UK agriculture and long-term resilience.
She praised the sugar industry program for helping to develop future leaders, saying: “Events like today are an important touchstone between government and industry, and an important opportunity to think about how we can work together towards a sustainable future.”
NFU Sugar Committee Chair Kit Papworth described SIP as “a real feather in the crown of our country’s sugar beet industry”.
Now in its 13th year, the program provides participants with insight into the entire supply chain, from research and seed development to factory operations and policy.
“We are very proud of this and the more than 100 farmers who have gone through it,” he said.
Mr Papworth warned that producers were navigating pest and disease pressures, climate change and trade policy risks that could undermine domestic production.
“Given the many challenges we currently face as an industry, it is critical that we continue to invest in upskilling the next generation of industry leaders,” he added.
The reception was hosted by Charlie Dewhurst, Member of Parliament for Bridlington and the Wolds and member of the Efra Committee.
“Beet is a very important part of crop rotation and I am proud to represent a constituency that has several sugar beet growers,” he said.
“Programs like SIP are extremely valuable in developing and upskilling future leaders in the agriculture industry,” he added.
British Sugar managing director Keith Packer said it was “fantastic” to meet growers and experts at a pivotal time for the sector.
“The SIP reception gives us the opportunity to take this message directly to the heart of Westminster and beat the drum for the UK beet sugar industry,” he said.
“At this pivotal time for British agriculture, we urge the Government to foster a policy environment that ensures what is best for the whole agricultural sector, from field to factory.”
Industry stakeholders said a clear and stable policy and trade framework is essential to keep domestic sugar competitive in an increasingly uncertain global market.
