British Sugar has launched an independent arbitration process after months of talks with growers' representatives from the National Farmers' Union sugar board (NFU Sugar) failed to reach agreement on prices for the 2027/28 sugar beet crop.

The company says contract pricing and terms will be determined no later than 30 October, "in line with the established industry process".

Dan Green, agriculture director at British Sugar, said: “Despite our best efforts to reach a fair and timely agreement with NFU Sugar on the price and contract terms for the 2027/28 sugar beet crop, 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........

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