What do UK seed account changes mean for beet growers?

Under changes to the UK seed account, sugar beet growers are now permitted to buy and sell seed via any route they choose. Additionally, for those willing to take more risks to try the newest varieties with the latest genetics, there is now the option to choose candidates from the RL that are not yet fully recommended but going through that process. Explaining the changes, Arthur Marshall, NFU Sugar’s commercial and market insight manager, said: “We need to continue changing and reforming the system to be relevant and up to date for the challenges we face now,” he added, speaking on a BBRO podcast. Part of the reason for the change is to give growers a greater degree of choice but also to spread out the demand. In the past two to three years, demand has outstripped supply for the most popular few varieties. The move will also make the sector more resilient in the face of increasingly adverse weather, he added. “We saw last year the challenges we can face when there are adverse ...