Sugar beet farmers and industry reps meet with MPs in Parliament

Marking its 13th year, the Sugar Industry Programme (SIP), which is jointly sponsored by British Sugar and NFU Sugar, once again took its message on the importance of homegrown sugar to Parliament.  

This year’s SIP participants and industry representatives 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 which agri-tech developments such as precision breeding can bring to the beet industry.   

The reception’s guest speakers were agriculture minister Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, who 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, and Baroness Minette Batters, who 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.      

Agriculture minister Dame Angela Eagle MP said: “It was a pleasure to meet sugar beet growers and representatives from the British beet sugar industry at their parliamentary reception.  

“The beet sector is a vital part of our agri‑food economy in the East, and I welcomed the chance to hear about its opportunities and how government can support its continued success.” 

‘Pivotal time for British farming’

Keith Packer, managing director at British Sugar, explained that the SIP reception gives the sector the opportunity to take this message straight to the heart of Westminster and “bang the drum” for the British beet sugar industry. 

“It is always fantastic to meet with beet growers and professionals who are the future of our industry so that together we can raise awareness of the importance of homegrown sugar.  

“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,” he said. 

Kit Papworth, chair of NFU Sugar, added: “The Sugar Industry Programme is a true feather in the cap of our homegrown sugar beet industry. We remain extremely proud of it and the 100+ farmers that have been through it. 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. 

“Those kinds of events provide a vital touchstone between government and industry, and give an important opportunity to consider ways in which we can collaborate together towards a sustainable future.” 

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