Beet growers will get £21/tonne plus freight and late-delivery allowance on the first 20% of deliveries in excess of contract tonnage for the 2011/12 crop.

This is an improvement on the current season interim price of £13/tonne plus freight and late delivery allowance for non-quota beet.

British Sugar and the NFU have agreed the enhancement for the 2011 crop following a review of volumes required. Increased exports for non-quota sugar during 2009/10, an improved biofuels market and revised crop yield forecasts are behind the change.

However, the new price is only available to growers who have a contract for 2011. Those with no contract can still lease or purchase tonnage through leasing and transfer schemes, but this must be completed by 31 October, while additional seed availability is not guaranteed beyond November.