Alongside professionals from NFU Sugar, British Sugar and the BBRO (British Beet Research Organisation), this year's SIP (Sugar Industry Programme) participants discussed a range of topics with the 17 MPs who attended the reception, including food security, the need for trade policy to support British agricultural interests and the opportunities that agri-tech developments, such as precision breeding, can bring to the beet industry.
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle spoke at the reception where she shared more on the government's plans for farming over the coming months and acknowledged the value of the British beet sugar industry in the agri-food sector. Baroness Minette Batters also commented on her recent Farm Profitability Review – adding that the beet sector is critical to UK farming.
Baroness Batters also praised the Sugar Industry Programme, hailing its important role in training the next generation of leaders in the sector.
“Events such as today provide a vital touchstone between government and industry, and an important opportunity to consider ways in which we can collaborate together towards a sustainable future.”
NFU Sugar Board Chair Kit Papworth
Touchstone between government and industry
NFU Sugar Board Chair Kit Papworth said the SIP is a “true feather in the cap of our homegrown sugar beet industry”. Now, in its thirteenth year, the programme provides a 360-degree view of the industry, from research and seed production to factory processes and policy formulation.
“We remain extremely proud of it and the more than 100 farmers that have been through it,” Kit added. “In the context of the multitude of challenges we currently face as a sector, from pest, disease and climate-related pressures to trade policy which threatens to undermine domestic growers, it’s vital that we continue to invest in upskilling the next generation of industry leaders.
“Events such as today provide a vital touchstone between government and industry, and an important opportunity to consider ways in which we can collaborate together towards a sustainable future.”
Farming Minister Angela Eagle said it had been a pleasure to meet with growers and representatives, adding that the beet sector is a “vital part of our agri-food economy in the East”.
“I welcomed the opportunity to hear about its opportunities and how the government can support its continued success,” she added.
Banging the drum for British sugar beet
The parliamentary reception was hosted by Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and the Wolds and member of the Efra Committee. He said: “Sugar beet is a very important part of the arable rotation, and I am proud to represent a constituency which is home to several beet growers. Programmes such as the SIP are highly valuable in developing and upskilling the farming industry’s future leaders, and I was pleased to meet with this year’s impressive SIP participants.
“I look forward to continuing to support the homegrown sugar industry.”
British Sugar Managing Director Keith Packer said it had been “fantastic” to meet with beet growers and professionals. “The SIP reception gives us the opportunity to take this message straight to the heart of Westminster, and bang the drum for the British beet sugar industry. At this pivotal time for British farming, we urge the government to foster a policy environment which ensures the very best for our whole sector – from field to factory.”
