IFA ‘committed to securing sugar beet growers’ viability’

THE Irish Farmers’ Association warned last night that it is determined to ensure that beet growers will not suffer any damage to their viability as a result of the decision taken last week by Irish Sugar, part of the Greencore group, to close the Carlow sugar factory.

IFA Sugar Beet Section chairman Jim O’Regan said it is up to Greencore to provide whatever facilities are necessary to ensure that existing growers supplying beet to Carlow are at no disadvantage as a result of the company’s unilateral decision to move all beet processing to Mallow.

“The focus is now on the logistics of getting beet from the Carlow factory area to the Mallow factory both by rail and by road at no extra cost to beet growers,” said Mr O’Regan, as beet growers from around the country met in Carlow to discuss the issues.