Fine Gael seeks national sugar forum

THE establishment of a national sugar forum by Agriculture and Food Forum Mary Coughlan is being sought by Fine Gael to not only address the immediate crisis as a result of the decision to close Carlow sugar factory but also to look at its long-term future in the context of the EU reform proposals for the industry.

Denis Naughten, TD, the party’s spokesman on agriculture and food, said such a forum should be independently chaired and, along with having representatives of growers, Greencore and the Department of Agriculture, should also include representatives of the trades unions, consumer representatives, the departments of Finance and Transport and local authorities.

He said the forum must address sugar quota ownership, beet transport, marketing and the use of sugar beet as an alternative energy source.