SUGAR beet growers from Yorkshire are to converge on Brussels as the debate on the future of the European sugar industry intensifies.

They will take part in a rally of all European growers on Monday, July 18.

David Wilmot-Smith, a grower from York, said it was vital that commissioners got the message that Europe was united in its determination to achieve a viable industry for the future.

"Getting this message across is even more important, given last week's announcement of proposed price cuts of over 40pc," he said. "This is excessive and does not represent a fair solution for anyone - us or growers in the developing countries of the Caribbean, parts of Africa and the Pacific region.

"Everyone recognises reform is necessary to counter the effects of so-called 'dumping' of surplus European sugar on world markets, but what we need is not reform that will cripple our sugar industry and that of the very countries supposed to benefit from it, but an approach that achieves a sustainable future for all."

Sugar beet is a well-established and valuable crop for Yorkshire's rural economy, supporting the livelihoods of about 1,600 farmers, plus 1,500 jobs in associated sectors such as haulage.

A sugar factory has existed in York since 1926 and it produces 150,000 tonnes every year from more than 1.2m tonnes of sugar beet grown in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

With the commission's proposals for reform now on the table, the industry enters a period of intense negotiation.

"There is everything to play for now," said Mr Wilmot-Smith, who also sits on the regional sugar board. "There is no doubt the proposals are very tough but there have been some positive changes from what was initially suggested.

"We must take heart from that and now take our message in person right to the heart of the debate in Brussels. All we want is the chance to continue growing what is a very environmentally-friendly crop.

"That doesn't seem too much to ask, especially when you realise that Britain is only 50pc self sufficient in sugar. We import the remainder from sugar cane producers, providing a valuable market for countries whose whole economy is often dependent on sugar production