Sugar reforms far from sweet

Fears are growing that our sugar and beetindustry will be wiped out, says RAY RYAN.

THE European Union cannot let its 35-year old sugar regime gather dust, undisturbed, in a forgotten corner, according to Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel.

Today in Brussels she will unveil proposals for the sweeping reform of an industry that comprises 56 companies with 143 factories and provides an income for a million people. Leaked versions of what is likely to be proposed have led to growing fears they will wipe out Ireland’s 80-year-old sugar and beet industry.