Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 17 November 2023.
John Hayes
Conservative, South Holland and The Deepings
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support sugar beet growers in areas affected by flooding.
Mark Spencer
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Government recognises that growing sugar beet is important for many farmers in central and eastern England, where the crop plays a vital role in the arable farm rotation, allowing a season of “rest” from intensive cereal production.
We also appreciate that the effects of variable weather conditions upon cash flow, yields and outcomes must be considered in both the short and longer term, and we therefore continue to engage closely with the arable sector.
It is too early to understand the exact impact of the recent flooding on the yield and quality of sugar beet still to be harvested or being stored in clamps. Farmers may need to manage their harvest in order to prevent soil damage.
Defra officials are in regular contact with producers and processors in the UK sugar industry to understand the situation as more information becomes available.
Yes3 people think so
No2 people think not
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