Next-generation sugar beet growers invited to join Sugar Industry Programme

The Sugar Industry Programme (SIP) includes a series of events spread across one to two days between October 2025 and March 2026. 

Jointly funded by NFU Sugar and British Sugar, the programme is an opportunity for next-generation growers to learn more about the wider supply chain, build valuable lasting connections and develop their professional skills. 

Many SIP alumni have gone on to become influential leaders across the industry, including representing growers on the NFU Sugar Board and in other national and regional NFU leadership positions. 

Alex Clabon, who farms alongside his parents at H G Bliss Farms Ltd on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border and participated in the programme in 2023/24, said he would “highly recommend” the project to anybody currently within the sector wanting to learn more about the sugar industry. 

“It provides an invaluable opportunity to go into detail and learn about the inner workings and processes all the way from seed to processing. Whether you’ve just started working with sugar beet or grown up with it, the programme offers so much to take your understanding to a deeper level. 

“The programme truly does cover all aspects, from seed priming and coating to learning about the invaluable work from the BBRO to the processing at one of the British Sugar factories.  

“Alongside this, it also shows the behind-the-scenes work of NFU Sugar and the NFU Sugar Board, as well as having the opportunity to further yourself personally and professionally by taking part in media training and connecting with those across multiple sectors at NFU Conference,” he continued. 

Alex said that one of his highlights was travelling to Westminster to help showcase the homegrown sugar industry to MPs and stress the importance of a thriving sugar industry. Another was travelling to the Strube seed house and research centre in Sollingen, Germany.  

“It was really eye-opening to see the work that goes into the breeding process for new varieties, as well as how sugar beet is viewed on the continent and the differing challenges that they face,” he concluded.

‘A unique opportunity’ 

Katrina Pearson, who works as an inbound operations manager at British Sugar’s Wissington factory and took part in the 2023/24 SIP, said that the programme offers great opportunities for growth and learning within the wider sugar beet industry. 

“Some of the highlights for me were the trip to Westminster, attending the NFU conference, and visiting Strube in Germany. These experiences were not only educational but also fascinating, as they highlighted the many different avenues taken to ultimately produce sugar. 

“Through the SIP programme, I have significantly expanded my network, connecting with individuals from a wide range of roles across the beet industry. This has allowed me to form strong, collaborative working relationships. 

“The programme’s inclusive nature – welcoming participants from all areas within the beet industry – offers a unique opportunity to engage with professionals I might not have otherwise encountered.” 

What’s on? 

This year’s programme will include a series of one-day and two-day events between October 2025 and March 2026 and includes visits to: 

• Germains Seed Technology (UK sugar beet primer and processor) 
• Wissington Sugar Factory (the largest sugar beet factory in the UK) 
• The British Beet Research Organisation (research facility and crop trials plot) 
• KWS (seed breeder based in Germany) 
• NFU’s Westminster Office (the heart of NFU External Affairs) 
• Houses of Parliament 
• NFU Conference 
• NFU Sugar Board (beet grower representative body governing the work of NFU Sugar) 

Participants will also have the opportunity to build their professional skills through several training and development sessions, including media training and presentation skills training. 

How to apply? 

The application window is now open. Growers are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter to the NFU Sugar website. The cover letter should outline the applicant’s experience within the sector and why they are interested in taking part in the programme.

Growers do not need to be an NFU member to join. They should submit an application before the 1st September 2025 deadline. 

For more information about the programme, or to find out more about making an application, visit the NFU Sugar website. 

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