Introducing the 2025/26 Sugar Industry Programme participants

Having also worked at British Sugar in a grower support role, she has gained valuable insight across the full supply chain, from field to factory. With a background in arable agronomy and a university dissertation focused on the impact of neonicotinoid restrictions on virus yellows, Ellie is passionate about supporting the future of UK sugar beet and strengthening collaboration across the sector.

Ellie said: “I am looking forward to connecting with like-minded professionals and contributing to a sustainable and innovative future for sugar beet.”

Henry said: “We’re facing lots of challenges, and I hope the SIP (Sugar Industry Programme) will give me an insight into how we will engineer a future for the British beet industry.”

After completing his degree at SAC in Edinburgh, Fergus has worked predominantly in the fresh produce sector before joining British Sugar in June 2024.

Fergus said: “The SIP (Sugar Industry Programme) presents a great opportunity to broaden my knowledge within the sector, while also meeting others who share the same enthusiasm about the sugar beet industry.”

Jordan said: “I am excited to take part in the SIP to gain a deeper understanding of how the sector operates behind the scenes, broaden my knowledge beyond day-to-day farming and build connections that will strengthen my career in agriculture.”

She studied agriculture and crop science at the University of Nottingham before doing agronomy and farm business consultancy for a Cambridgeshire-based firm, completing BASIS and FACTS along the way.

Now, back in her home county, she looks after around 120 sugar beet growers and helps to support them in growing the best possible crops on their farms. 

Lexi said: “I am really looking forward to the SIP (Sugar Industry Programme) as an opportunity to grow my network and knowledge of the wider industry and supply chain.”

She joined British Sugar in 2022 as part of the Farm Support team, later covering an Account Manager maternity role before moving into her current position.

Liesha holds a BASIS qualification and will begin studying her FACTS certification next year, further strengthening her expertise in agronomy and crop production. 

Liesha said: “I am very excited to further expand my knowledge and experience all aspects of the sugar industry.”

Liza is currently Team Leader for the British Sugar Services team who provide customer service to all stakeholders in the agriculture sector – from assisting growers to log into their grower portal to solving complex queries arising across the agriculture department.

Liza said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the sugar beet industry and look forward to learning more about its different elements.”

She previously worked for a non-profit soil research organisation after graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 2022.

Lucy said: “Sugar beet plays an important role in the rotation so the programme will be an invaluable opportunity to understand the work of the wider industry in ensuring a resilient sector.”

Miles said: “Beet is an important crop in our rotation and I think this programme is a great opportunity to meet and learn from other growers and understand the wider supply chain.”

Having worked on the family farm for 15 years growing vegetables he joined the BBRO (British Beet Research Organisation) in July 2020 for a fresh challenge. Having been in sugar beet trials for five years, he is looking forward to understanding the commercial and marketing side of the UK sugar industry. 

Olly said: “SIP offers a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of the value chain, from growing, production and processing to sustainability practices and innovation.”

Richard said: “I am looking forward to the opportunity to extend and develop my knowledge of the sugar beet industry, as it remains an important part of our rotation.”

BASIS, FACTS and soil and water qualified, he uses his skills and experience to farm as sustainably as possible.

Robbie is passionate about growing beet and bringing the views of growers within his area to the NFU Sugar Board.

His priority is to help secure a sustainable and profitable return for growers, increasing confidence in the crop and securing the future of the homegrown beet sector.

The business farms 8,000 acres across a range of soil types and grows around 200 acres of sugar beet on its higher silt content ground. They also contract drill and harvest for their neighbour. Tom graduated from Harper Adams in 2019 and has pursued a career in Farm Management since, being with Atkinson Farming since July 2024. 

Tom said: “I hope the SIP will help to develop my speaking skills and connect me with likeminded people who are passionate about our industry.”

They have also kept cattle and have more recently taken on a small flock of sheep. The farm has always grown a large area of sugar beet where possible, and in recent years experimented with Conviso. Tom studied Farm Business Management at Newcastle University, and more recently undertook Arable Basis at The University of Lincoln. 

Tom said: “The SIP (Sugar Industry Programme) graduates of today are the industry’s leaders of tomorrow.”

She works with growers across the county and manages various Contract Farming Agreements, the majority of which include sugar beet. She is also working towards her CAAV qualification. 

Victoria said: “Despite not coming from an area that grows Sugar Beet, I am excited to start the programme to expand my knowledge of the crop both for my interest and in the interest of the growers I work with. I’m also looking forward to meeting like-minded individuals and the knowledge sharing that will come from this.”