Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the National Farmers' Union (O75a)
In response to question Q11-14 from Michael
Jack MP:
The gross profit margins per hectare for the
three crops mentioned in 2003 were:
Sugar beet: £1.030 (assuming an average
yield of 55 tonnes per ha and an average price of £29.45
per clean tonne at the UK 5-year average sugar content of 17-18%)
Potatoes (maincrop): £1.600 (assuming an
average yield of 42.5 tonnes per ha and an average price of £84
per tonne)
Swedes (and turnips): £1.738 (assuming an
average yield of 32 tonnes per ha at an average price of £145
per tonne).
Although not asked directly, it is worth knowing
the areas concerned.
Potatoes in 2003—145kHa approx (including
N Ireland)
Sugar Beet in 2003—160kHa approx
Swede/turnips in 2003—2.7kHa approx
Any assumption that 160kHa beet area could be
replaced by potato/swede or indeed any other production would
be extremely dangerous in the reform debate.
May 2004
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