Industry turmoil may force farm to reconsider growing sugar beet after 80 years
Nick Hood, the fourth generation of his family to farm in Woodbastwick, said his arable rotation was historically "built on sugar beet".
But the sector is in a state of flux after contract negotiations stalled between beet growers and British Sugar - at a time when a consultation is also under way into the proposed closure of Cantley sugar factory at the end of February.
Following the contract deadlock, the price of the 2027/28 crop is due to be decided by an independent arbitration process by the end of October.
Mr Hood said unless the right price is agreed, it could potentially end sugar beet's long history on his farm.
"Obviously sugar beet is under pressure," he said. "Cantley factory is about 10 miles from here, we are absolutely in the right spot to supply that, so it is a bit concerning that is going. Now the price negotiations are in arbitration and we might not have an answer until the end of October.
"Someone asked me: What would you do if you don't grow sugar beet? I think there is a point where we don't grow it. We are full of accountants and land agents and other people looking at more spreadsheets than me, but I think if we start dipping below £25 per tonne, I think we will probably ask ourselves: Are we going to do this?
"If........
