‘ONE-STOP-SHOP’ FOR BEET INFORMATION

SUGAR BEET growers now have access to a new online information service launched by the BBRO: www.uksugarbeet.co.uk

The site will be a “one-stop-shop” for UK sugar beet knowledge to provide growers with information on crop production and agronomy, according to British Sugar’s agricultural communications manager, Paul Bee.

It will also allow growers to choose their preferred method of receiving information – fax, email or post – such as bulletins, he adds.

The site, which draws on resources from British Sugar, NFU, Broom’s Barn, the BBRO and others, is still being developed, but will eventually provide comprehensive information and, via messaging facilities, allow growers and advisers to interact via the internet.

Meanwhile, British Sugar’s secure internet site (www.bsonline.co.uk) will offer growers the option of receiving weekly beet payments instead of the normal monthly payments.

A small number of growers have tested this service, and it is planned to be made available for all growers for the 2005 campaign.

And growers are reminded Sugar Beet Review is available online at www.beetreview.co.uk. Every issue back to 1996 is available electronically.