All at stake for beet growers

THE need for unity among tillage farmers on the future of sugar beet was highlighted last Monday when France's support for Commissioner Fischler-Boel dashed hopes of her proposals being rejected out of hand.

Now it looks like adjustments to her proposals, which include a severe price cut of 39% over two years, could be enough to kill off a blocking minority (including Ireland) standing in her way.

The Commissioner's task now is to appease opposition in Poland, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, and Spain enough to swing the Council of Ministers towards a yes vote.