The Sugar Industry Programme (SIP), which is jointly sponsored by British Sugar and the National Farmers' Union sugar board (NFU Sugar), met with 17 MPs at a reception in London.

SIP participants, including sugar beet farmers, British Sugar managers and the Norwich-based British Beet Research Organisation, explained their work and discussed topics including food security, the need for trade policy to support British agricultural interests and the opportunities which agri-tech developments such as precision breeding can bring to the beet industry.

Guest speakers included agriculture minister Dame Angela Eagle, who said: "It was a pleasure to meet sugar beet growers and representatives from the British beet sugar industry at their parliamentary reception.

"The beet sector is a vital part of our agri‑food economy in the East, and I welcomed the chance to hear about its opportunities and how government can support its continued success.” 

Norfolk farmer Kit Papworth, chairman of NFU Sugar, said the Sugar Industry Programme, now in its 13th year, is a "true feather in the cap of our homegrown sugar beet industry".

"We remain extremely proud of it and the 100+ farmers that have been through it," he said.

"In the context of the multitude of challenges we currently face as a sector, from pest, disease and climate related pressures to trade policy which threatens to undermine domestic growers, it’s vital that we continue to invest in upskilling the next generation of industry leaders.

"Events such as today provide a vital touchstone between government and industry, and an important opportunity to consider ways in which we can collaborate together towards a sustainable future.”

Sugar Industry Programme 2025/26 participants in parliament’s historic Westminster Hall (Image: Clare McGregor)

Keith Packer, managing director of British Sugar, said: "It is always fantastic to meet with beet growers and professionals who are the future of our industry, so that together we can raise awareness of the importance of homegrown sugar.

"The SIP reception gives us the opportunity to take this message straight to the heart of Westminster, and bang the drum for the British beet sugar industry.

"At this pivotal time for British farming, we urge the government to foster a policy environment which ensures the very best for our whole sector – from field to factory.”

© Eastern Daily Press