Beet deal on price and conditions
But details have yet to be worked out on the arrangements with Iarnród Éireann for the transport of beet to Mallow from the catchment area of the now closed Carlow sugar factory.
The agreement in principle ensures that the 2005 beet price will be held and that there will be an increase in the bonus-malice scheme, which is a reward for sending cleaner beet to the factory.
There will be a small price cut in 2006. Early and late delivery allowances providing for an earlier start and later finish to the sugar processing campaign have been negotiated and increased. A broad outline for a restructuring scheme for 2005-2006 has also been negotiated and there will be a move to a sugar management scheme as against a beet tonnage contract.
IFA Sugar Beet Committee chairman Jim O’Regan said growers will in actual fact have a price increase for the 2005 campaign by taking the quality bonus into account.
“In a difficult farming climate, I think it is about the only commodity that will show that kind of an increase for 2005,” he said.
The IFA Sugar Section, is urging growers to accept the agreement in principle.
Mr O’Regan said it means security for beet growers for the 2005 campaign, but it is only part of the equation.
The IFA Sugar Beet Committee is holding a series of grower meetings to update growers.
