Beet Price Row Rumbles On

There has been no breakthrough as yet in the discussions between British Sugar (BS) and the NFU on the beet price for 2014.  As reported last month, BS had offered £30.67 per tonne (£3 above the price produced by the formula).  The NFU is looking for a figure closer to £35.50.  Intensive negotiations have been conducted over the past few weeks.  It seems that these are approaching ‘crunch-point’.  Within the next week or so, the industry should hear whether the two sides are moving towards a deal, or if the gap has been too wide to bridge.