MEP to fight sugar quota transfers

A PLAN to trade sugar quota across borders is being vigorously opposed by Irish members of the European Parliament.

The transfer move is part of a radical reform of the EU sugar regime that also includes price and quota cuts, issues that are also posing challenges for Ireland in the upcoming negotiations, expected to be concluded by November.

Mairead McGuinness MEP warned that trading quotas across borders is a new departure and one which will assist in the winding down of the sugar industry, especially in peripheral regions.