Checking a sugar beet crop in the field -- LNN

By Sarah Jones/ LethbridgeNewsNOW

200 producers to benefit from new sugar beet deal in Taber

Apr 8, 2021 | 9:47 AM

TABER, AB. — Sugar beet refineries used to be spread across Canada, but have since dissolved, with the last remaining one right here in Southern Alberta.

Sugar beet farmers, around Lethbridge and Taber are ecstatic after a two-year contract that’s been signed with the Lantic Inc sugar refinery in Taber.

Sugar beet crop outside Taber — LNN

The contract ensures local farmers will be the sole source of 100 per cent Canadian Sugar, and impacts over 200 growers in the region. Those growers have been assured that a minimum of 24,000 acres will be contracted annually for the next two years, as well as investments made into receiving stations for product delivery.

Gary Tokariuk, President of the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers, says “farming is a predominately family business where you have to focus on being economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally responsible while ensuring it exists for the next generation. We wanted to bring a contract back to the growers that will delivered on those priorities so that it can be grown for many more generations.”

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Sugar beet growers will now be paid for the beets they deliver to the refinery and the sugar content percentage they produce. Prior to the contract, farmers were only paid based on the tonnes of sugar extracted from the beets. As a result, the price for growers will not be impacted by long-term pile storage or factory performance.

Sugar beets waiting to be processed — LNN

Recently the crop was given a silver level verification by the Farm Sustainability Assessment program, which looks at the three pillars of sustainability including environmental practices, social responsibility, and economic returns.