Government, Greencore and sugar growers urged to unite

THE Government, beet growers and Greencore were urged yesterday to show commonsense by coming together in a bid to save the Irish sugar industry.

SIPTU branch secretary at Mallow sugar factory Liam Lucey made the plea as decision time approaches for the key stakeholders on whether there will be a beet growing and sugar processing campaign in Ireland next season. Mr Lucey called on all parties to come around the table in an effort to safeguard the industry.

“The industry can be saved but it has to be reshaped. All we are hearing, however, is talk about compensation,” he said.