2,000 tillage farmers would plant sugar beet if profitability proved

MORE than 2,000 tillage farmers are willing to plant sugar beet if a feasibility study proves that a new sugar and ethanol plant can be made profitable.

Many farmers remain dubious about the proposed plant as the base price for sugar beet in Germany is presently just €26 per ton. Farm sources suggest a consistent €37 per ton would be needed for a reliable profit.

Global prices are rising and an IBEC report last week predicted EU sugar shortages for the third year running, all of which should push up prices.