Sugar industry could be wiped out

The entire sugar beet industry in Ireland could be wiped out by European Commission proposals to reform the sector, the IFA warned yesterday when it announced that it is planning a major campaign on the issue.

John Dillon, president, speaking at a lunch on the fringes of Dublin Horse Show, said the one important CAP-supported sector that has not been reformed to date is sugar.

A 37% price cut to farmers with only 60% compensation, a 16% quota cut with no compensation, and potential movement of production between member states is proposed.