EU plan threatens sugar beet growing
Minister of State John Browne told delegates from 21 countries at the IFA-hosted assembly that the proposals in their present form could mark the end of sugar beet growing in Ireland.
He said the proposed reforms have implications not only for sugar beet growers but also for those employed in the sugar processing and related industries.
It was generally acknowledged that reform is unavoidable for a number of reasons, in particular the developments at WTO level and other international pressures. Minister Browne said that a recent ruling by the WTO against the EU would certainly add to the pressure for reform.
Ireland has been active in developing common ground on the reform issue with other EU member states.
It is in a group of ten member states that made a joint submission to the Commission expressing common concerns about the proposals in their current form.
“As an essential part of this stance,” he said, “we are firmly resolved that the EU should not pay twice, first by an internal reform and second through further concessions in the WTO negotiations.”
Minister Browne said Irish beet growers and Irish Sugar Ltd were gearing up to ensure that there would be a viable, efficient sugar beet growing and processing sector in Ireland well into the future.
