BS rebuffs rhizo policy fears

25 May 2001



BS rebuffs rhizo policy fears

By Andrew Swallow

SUGAR beet growers hit by rhizomania restrictions are questioning why they should suffer when a top-yielding tolerant variety is available.

Containment measures were accepted when the disease was first discovered in the UK in 1987 because tolerant variety yields trailed behind

Despite controls, the infected area has increased, with 143 farms now affected, while a tolerant variety offers yield close to the top of the recommended list.

“The UK is not rhizomania-free and the sooner we accept that the better,” says grower Robert Leech from near Thetford, Norfolk.

He used to grow 70ha (173 acres) of sugar beet, but then three fields were found with infection in 1998, and then a fourth in 1999.

Mr Leech stopped growing on his own farm for fear of having the whole farm labelled as infected.

“If I knew I would be able to grow on infected fields with resistant varieties when rhizomania restrictions are lifted then I would carry on growing now”.

“But nobody can give me an answer on that so I cant take the risk,” he said.

He acknowledges that the stewardship scheme has softened the blow, but questions how long growers can pay up for quota after sugar regime reform.

This is echoed by Stephen Collett who farms at Garboldisham, near Diss in Norfolk.

“With the current discussions on the sugar regime it will probably be uneconomic to lease quota in four or five years time,” he argues.

“Besides, quota trading is the last thing we want. It gives the impression that we are being paid too much to grow sugar beet.”

But increased competition is just one reason why the UK must strive to contain the disease, says Chris Carter, British Sugar director of agriculture.

“We have got a competitive advantage now.”

Better resistant varieties may offer a safety net, but restrictions should not be relaxed while the number of new infected farms stays under control, he believes.

IACR-Brooms Barns Mike Asher says that every year over 50% of the outbreaks are found on farms that have had previous infections.

“So by encouraging sugar beet growing off these farms we will reduce the number of outbreaks,” he reasons.

Farm e-Business Survey. Click here to enter and win 100 Amazon vouchers