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British Sugar risks sour rebuff over transport idea

1st April 2010, Page 14
1st April 2010
Page 14
Page 14, 1st April 2010 — British Sugar risks sour rebuff over transport idea
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SWEEPING CHANGES to the way that sugar beet is transported could mean up to 400 hauliers are forced to battle for contracts with British Sugar.

Intensive negotiations between the National Farmer's Union (NFU) and British Sugar have resulted in a voluntary trial being set up this year, which gives sugar beet growers the opportunity to opt out of the transportation side of the operation.

Instead, some hauliers can tender for transport contracts and, if successful, work directly for British Sugar. It is hoped that the plans will bring about efficiencies in the supply chain. British Sugar agricultural communications manager Paul Bee says the trial will take place at two of its factories between September and March 2011.

He adds: "There are a number of different initiatives. Put together, it's a big change in the way we're going to buy, pay for and administer how sugar beet is grown and delivered in the future.

"The change will be that we will employ a haulier, they will collect the sugar beet and we will pay the haulier direct."

Bee continues: "One of the inefficiencies is that it is harvested all over the country, and hauliers often zig-zag all over to collect it.

"Some will see it as a good opportunity to become part of British Sugar. Others might be very efficient and want to continue with the current set-up."

Marianne Tibbett, director at March-based D&J Transport, says there is no evidence hauliers are being railroaded into joining up.

She adds: -If what we are being asked to do isn't commercially viable, then tough decisions need to be made. We are prepared to do whatever needs to be done stay in business." to E

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Organisations: National Farmer's Union

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