2009 beet price negotiations have concluded in a price increase for growers. The announcement follows intensive and exhaustive talks between the NFU and British Sugar.

Beet growers now have a fixed price option of £26 per adjusted tonne and an increase in the transport allowance averaging £1 per adjusted tonne.

Growers who have already sent their contract back can override their original option with the new offer by returning it to British Sugar by the August 15 deadline. The £24 minimum option is still on offer for those who want it and this would also attract the increased transport allowance.

Commenting on the end of negotiations, NFU sugar board chairman William Martin said: "Growers’ support has been fantastic and this has focussed the minds of the negotiators on both sides of the table. While we didn't achieve everything on price, we have made progress. We are not endorsing the current offer but there is now increased price certainty for growers to lock into and new money on transport."

Without a ringing endorsement from the NFU on the latest package, growers must now decide before August 15 if the offer goes far enough for them to sign up.

Mr Martin added: "If you were to ask me if I had felt the negotiations had been worthwhile, then yes absolutely. There is, I am sure, a better appreciation by the processor of the pressures and concerns out there and they have moved, at least partially, to address those in the offer."