Sugar beet processing progressing

Mallow: The annual sugar beet processing campaign is well under way in the Mallow and Carlow sugar factories. Some 65,000 tonnes of beet per week is being delivered to each plant for processing.

The chief executive of Irish Sugar Dr Sean Brady said both processing sites got off to a smooth start with adequate beet supplies. Both are now running at full capacity.

“First reports are that the beet is of good quality and lifting is now well underway. First measures of sugar levels are averaging 16.4%”, he said.

Dr Brady said the 2004 campaign marks a crossroads in sugar beet processing in Ireland. The EU Commission proposals for the EU sugar regime will, if implemented, mean radical change to the beet growing and sugar processing industry in Ireland. The proposals call for sugar quota and price reductions of 16% and 33% respectively.

Dr Brady said Irish Sugar will monitor the progress on negotiating an agreed reform package while voicing strong opposition at Government and European level.

Over the next three months up to 240 hauliers will transport 1.3 million tonnes of beet to the Mallow and Carlow factories to manufacture 199,208 tonnes of sugar - Ireland’s quota.

The transport to Mallow of beet grown in the south-east/Wexford area has resumed from Irish Sugar’s Wellington Bridge depot. Irish Rail closed the Waterford to Limerick train line last year following the collapse of the Cahir viaduct but the line has now been reopened.

Irish Sugar’s 450 staff will rise to 650 with 200 temporary workers. The beet crop is worth an estimated €75m to Irish Sugar’s 3,800 growers.