As part of the overall current CAP reform negotiations, the European Commission has proposed further reform of the EU sugar regime, or Common Market Organisation (CMO) as it is otherwise known. The effect of these proposals would be that EU sugar quotas would end in 2015, without a transitional period.
Defra has launched a discussion paper on the impact in England of these and other EU regulatory proposals and is inviting views from all those who may be affected.
The full letter, attached to this page as a related document, explains the potential impact of the EU sugar proposals, sets out the joint NFU/British Sugar lobbying position and, hopefully, puts you in a position to express your own views through the current consultation (deadline 5 March) and/or at a meeting in the near future with your MP and MEP. It is important that policy makers and others with influence in the CAP reform negotiations understand the stakes for UK beet growers and the beet sugar industry.
Also attached to this page is a useful flyer that we are jointly using with British Sugar in discussions with MPs and MEPs.
How can you have an influence?
It is important that growers get involved. You can do this in a number of ways:
Respond to the Defra consultation - Deadline 5 March
http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/12/12/cap-reform-1112/3
Responses to this discussion paper should be sent, by 5 March 2012, to:
EU Agriculture and Budget Strategy Team
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
EU Budget and Agricultural Strategy Programme
Area 5D
9 Millbank
C/O Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
Or by email to:
cap.reform@defra.gsi.gov.uk
In responding to Defra’s consultation, you might find it useful to frame a response to the following questions (although do not feel restricted by this):
--- From knowledge of other sectors you operate in, would you say the UK sugar supply chain compares favourably or not? i.e. terms of supply contract, price negotiation, terms and conditions, stability.
--- Do you regard it as essential for growers to have collective negotiating rights enshrined in legislation? If so why?
--- Would you consider growing more sugar beet if extra capacity were added by the processor?
--- As was explained at the BBRO Conference, yields from sugar beet are now at least equal to those from sugar cane. How does the increase in beet yields on farm compare with the position for cereal crops, for example? How important is a stable policy environment in allowing the investment in R&D which has led to these yield increases?
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