Prepare to submit beet loss claims
Prepare to submit beet loss claims
THE NFU wants sugar beet growers to supply details of how the problems at Wissington and Cantley factories will affect returns.
"We need to understand the scale of the problem," says NFU sugar beet adviser Helen Kirkman. "Once we know that we can decide on what action to take with British Sugar."
She stresses that no decision has yet been taken to pursue a claim or whether this would be for individual growers or as a collective claim. "The problems have developed as the campaign has progressed. But many growers have already been in touch and we hope to come to a decision soon."
Newmarket, Suffolk-based NFU policy adviser Sandra Nicholls says it has been the worst year for sugar beet she has known, with many growers fearing they will fall below contract tonnage. "We have had a huge response and it is a complete tale of disaster.
"The weather has been partly to blame – a sharp frost, worst in East Norfolk, was followed by a warm January, which accelerated beet rot. But people are further behind, so more crop has been trapped in the ground."
The NFU is also concerned that advice given to some growers by British Sugar could have made matters worse.
Growers affected should contact their NFU office giving details of their contract and a breakdown of how direct and indirect costs caused by the delays compare with a more normal year. *