Memorandum submitted by HW Watkins and
Sons (O38)
HW Watkins & Sons has been growing sugar
beet for more than 50 years (contract number 103173). Since sugar
beet was established on the farm by my grandfather the area has
grown to 66 hectares and has become a very important crop for
the business. During this period there have been some major changes
to the industry. The most recent significant ones have been the
introduction of modern varieties allowing early drilling which
has allowed significant increases in groundnesting birds (eg peewit)
on the farm, and modern seed treatments allowing reduction in
pesticide use. Over the years the farm has invested a considerable
amount of money in the crop, most recently the purchase of quota.
We now face the greatest single change since
the foundation of sugar beet production in Europe. Whilst I recognise
change is inevitable, I do feel there should be some key elements
within this change.
1. The UK is currently in balance with home-produced
sugar (beet) and imports (cane), mainly from former colonies,
and so we are not a net contributor to EC surpluses.
2. Following my travels and work in a number
of LDCs, their systems of production and regard for the environment
currently fall well below UK standards. By following Option 2
or 3, this will only encourage further desecration of the global
environment.
3. The UK sugar beet industry plays a valuable
role in terms of employment and a reduction in food miles of the
sugar produced.
4. A Defra report in 2002 confirmed the
crop's value to the UK, both financially and in terms of biodiversity.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
— UK farmers and processors have invested
heavily in the industry.
— The UK is the only country in the
EC to be in a supply/demand balance.
— The UK has one of the most sustainable
sugar beet systems.
— Confirmation of its value as reported
by DEFRA in 2002.
— UK beet sugar provides a very low
food/miles product.
— UK beet sugar is a fully traceable
and environmentally friendly product.
30 March 2004
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