Emergency meeting called over beet haulage crisis

The NFU has called an emergency meeting for farmers affected by sugar beet contractor M and J Haulage entering administration.

Growers who were relying on M and J Haulage to harvest, load or haul their beet this campaign should call NFU Sugar’s helpline on 0370 066 1974 to register for the meeting, which will take place on Wednesday 18 October in Newark.

NFU Sugar chairman Michael Sly said: “Our thoughts are with M and J Haulage’s employees and with everyone affected by this sad situation. M and J Haulage were pioneers of the industry harvest and haulage scheme – created to build best practice and efficiency in sugar beet harvesting, loading and haulage.”

See also: Troubled sugar beet contractor named

“M and J’s demise not only creates huge challenges for growers, who may now struggle to find a replacement contractor to harvest and deliver their beet, but also brings into question the effectiveness of the scheme and its ability to deliver a sustainable supply chain from field to factory.

“We have noted British Sugar’s assertion that contingency plans are in place for such instances, and that it does not anticipate any significant delays due to the loss of M and J Haulage. NFU Sugar urges British Sugar to share its plans with growers as soon as possible.”

Owed money by M and J Haulage?

Chris Pole and Mark Orton of KPMG were appointed joint administrators on 12 October. Farmers owed money by M and J Haulage Ltd are asked by KPMG to submit proof of debt.

More information and the address can be found on the administrator’s webpage.

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