UK : Beet farmers to get better prices for extra beet
Published: 09/01/2010, 3:05:52 PM
UK sugarbeet growers are to get a better price for non-quota beet thanks to improved markets, according to the UK's Farmer's Guardian.
British Sugar and the NFU have agreed an enhancement to the 2011 contract under which the first 20% of deliveries in excess of contracts will be paid at GBP21 (US$32.4)/tonne (plus freight and late delivery allowance).
The new agreement covering non-quota or ‘surplus' beet is similar to those used in some Continental markets. UK growers' current season interim price for non quota beet is just GBP13/tonne plus freight and late delivery allowance.
British Sugar says increased exports for non-quota sugar during 2009/10, an improved biofuel market, and revised crop yield forecasts have all contributed to the price development.
It is only available to growers with a contract for 2011, but anyone without a contract can still lease or purchase tonnage via the normal leasing and transfer schemes. Growers wanting to take advantage and increase planted area are urged to order extra seed immediately.