United Kingdom : British Sugar announces closing dates for its processing factories
British Sugar announced tentative factory closing dates for the 2024/25 campaign, with closures scheduled between February 28 and March 18, 2025, depending on weather and crop conditions. Agriculture director Dan Green confirmed limited damage from the cold snap. Following the denial of Cruiser SB’s emergency use, updates on Virus Yellows management and future crop protection are planned.
The sugar processor has announced closing dates of the factories, however, they are subject to change, dependent on weather, crop forecasting and site performance.
The sites are expected to close as follows:
Bury St Edmunds – 28th February 2025
Wissington – 3rd March 2025
Cantley – 4th March 2025
Newark – 18th March 2025
Application for emergency use of Cruiser SB denied
Dan Green, British Sugar’s agriculture director, confirmed it appears that any damage caused by the cold snap at the beginning of the year has been limited and has not impacted factory performance.
Following the news that the application for emergency use of Cruiser SB seed treatment for the 25/26 crop has not been granted, Mr Green said that British Sugar will update growers with the outcome of the Rothamsted forecast on 1st March to allow them to plan the spray programme.
Mr Green added: “For the latest information ahead of the 2025 season, including advice on aphid control options, please register for one of the BBRO BeetTech25 events taking place at Norfolk Showground on Tuesday 4th February and at Newark Showground on Tuesday 11th February.
“We can assure you that research into VY remains the highest priority for the industry. If you would like to read more about how we’re working to protect our future sugar beet crops from Virus Yellows, including our gene editing research, sustainable spray programme and a variety of other methods.
“We have also sent a letter to Defra from ourselves, BBRO and NFU Sugar. We are seeking immediate support in the form of a Virus Yellows Resilience Package to mitigate any threat posed by a high Virus Yellows year for the 2025/26 crop, as well as help in allowing us to move at pace on some of the workstreams and trials in our VY pathway. We will keep you posted on developments in this area.
“As always, we wish you all the best as we approach the end of the 2024/25 campaign.”
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Source : Farmers Guide
