Memorandum submitted by Wharram and Kay
(O29)
SUMMARY
Significant alterations in the existing Regime
will result in the elimination of reinvestment in the industry
putting at risk 20,000 jobs and the eventual closure of sugar
production in the UK.
1. Wharram and Kay is a family partnership
in the Vale of York with a major investment in sugar beet production
(approx £400k). We drill, fertilise, spray and harvest approximately
1,700 acres for growers from Goole to Thirsk. In 1993 we were
BSC's York Factory "Grower of the Year". Agronomy advice
by a partner who is BASIS and FACTS qualified is also available
to customers.
2. All our equipment is "state of the
art", less than one to two years old following heavy reinvestment.
3. Reductions in the existing quota levels
and price structure will benefit no-one, least of all the EBA
initiative countries and will result in lower contract rates which
will preclude reinvestment in machinery and production facilities.
This will result in the eventual meltdown of the industry and
the loss of 20,000 jobs.
4. The existing regime is stable and cost
effective. If it isn't broken—don't fix it!
26 March 2004
| 
