Sugar reforms warning

GREENCORE SUGAR warned yesterday that it is vitally important to Ireland’s national interest that significant improvements are achieved in the terms of the European Union’s current reform proposals for the sector.

Dr Sean Brady, managing director, said these improvements must protect the national industry and the viability of beet growing and sugar manufacturing in this country. He noted that EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has reiterated her objective of achieving agreement on the current reforms later this month.

The EU presidency is seeking to table a final compromise text for reform at the beginning of its planned council meeting beginning on November 22.