End of Irish sugar production looms

THE end of sugar production in Ireland moved closer last night after radical reforms for the industry in the European Union were adopted by farm ministers following three days of tense negotiations in Brussels.

But a spokesman for Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said the deal, which includes a €310 million financial package for Ireland, should provide at least two more seasons of sugar beet growing here.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) disputed this statement and predicted that the outcome would wipe out sugar beet growing.