EU proposals ‘will hit beet growers’

GROWERS’ income per tonne of beet will drop from €19/t in 2004 to €9.70/t in 2007 under the EU sugar reform proposals and that includes the proposed new direct payment, the IFA has claimed.

Sugar Beet Section chairman Jim O’Regan said the crop provides a vitally important income for beet growers.

This includes more than 1,000 Cork beet growers and their families delivering to the Mallow sugar factory at a time when farm incomes are already under extreme pressure.