Sugar contract negotiations are set for independent arbitration after NFU Sugar and British Sugar failed to reach an agreement over 2027-28 crop pricing. The hearing is scheduled for the second half of October, with a determination required by the 30th.
British Sugar agriculture director Dan Green said that every effort had been made to reach a fair agreement with NFU Sugar but the matter is now in independent arbitration. “We recognise the frustration and uncertainty this ongoing process may be causing growers. Our intention, as always, is to reach a reasonable outcome for all parties, and we continue to work hard towards this.”
NFU Sugar Board chairman Kit Papworth added that negotiations had started early in the season and had been conducted “in good faith”, but the two sides had different views of the market and growers’ costs.
However, negotiations are ongoing and an agreement could still be reached before the arbitrator’s determination.
