Direct-to-farm sugar beet seed sales unveiled

• Full access to the latest genetics

• Wider choice of seed treatments

• Provisional seed orders welcome

Plans by sugar beet breeder SESVanderHave to sell seed direct to farmers for 2026 drilling were welcomed by growers at last month’s Cereals event.

The move by the global sugar beet breeder follows changes made to the British Sugar Seed agreement, first announced in 2024. SESVanderHave says it gives growers access to the latest genetics with a wider range of seed treatments.

Growers visiting the SESVanderHave stand at Cereals were keen to learn more about the benefits of buying direct.  It will include a wider choice of pelleting and seed treatments for farmers.

Positive response

“We were overwhelmed by the positive response to our offer, as well as many positive comments about our varieties, our seed quality and the support we provide to growers who have grown our varieties,” said SESVanderHave UK director Ian Munnery.

The decision gives growers who buy direct access to all SESVanderHave varieties, says Mr Munnery.  “We received many comments on how well the seed we sold direct for 2025 sowing had performed in the testing conditions of the very dry spring.”

SESVanderHave sugar beet includes long-established varieties such as Magpie and Wren, as well as the newest top performing varieties on the Recommended List – Antler, Gadwall, Hoopoe and Hilleshög’s Aslan.

For growers with confirmed AYPR rhizomania, SesVanderHave has Osprey – still the only BBRO Recommended Variety for AYPR. Those with NERT (Beet Cyst Nematode) challenges can choose Hoopoe or the new promising variety Pintail.

Top germination

Pintail is one of five new varieties – the others being Possum, Partridge, Grouse and Snipe – which have been added to the offer for sowing next season. Seed will be from harvest 2025 to ensure top germination.

The five new candidate varieties have now passed National Listing with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. They have been added to British Sugar’s approved list for sowing.

At the time of writing, this means SESVanderHave has all five of the top five candidates for BBRO Recommendation that can be sold for 2026 sowing, giving growers early access to the best and most innovative genetics available.

Growers who exercised their right to buy Antler, Aslan, Hoopoe and Gadwall, which were all new in 2025, have reported successful experiences.

These were the top four candidates for Recommendation by BBRO in December 2024 and were added to the 2026 BBRO Recommended List when it was released in March this year.

Managing risk

Commercial terms for the sale of seed have been set to minimise growers’ risk.

“We have taken the decision to book seed provisionally,” says Mr Munnery.

“Growers will be allowed to confirm or cancel their orders, once British Sugar and NFU Sugar agree the contract price.  This allows growers to book seed as soon as possible to take advantage of our attractive offer whilst stocks last.

“With the 2025 seed harvest already under way and our factories scheduled to process that seed in January 2026, by reserving your seed now you can be confident you’re in the best position to get the variety you want as well as the seed treatments you require in good time to maximise your revenue for the 2026 crop.”

Seed processing

In addition, as a result of the changes in the UK Seed account model for British Sugar, SESVanderHave now manages all the seed processing in-house. This will enable to company to offer specifications for germination and monogermity.

This goes go beyond the existing minimum standards of the British Sugar specification, says Mr Munnery. The expansion of the varieties on offer to UK growers looks set to increase further for 2027 sowing, he adds.

“Breeding progress goes in cycles, and currently SESVanderHave and Hilleshög are in the ascent; with 30 more varieties bred by SESVanderHave and Hilleshög as year three candidates scheduled to enter BBRO’s 2026 trials.

“This gives growers even more options for 2027 sowing with a range of exciting new traits and seed treatments, in turn providing more choice and market competition for the UK sugar industry,” says Mr Munnery.

Growers wishing to reserve sugar beet seed for 2026 sowing can phone SESVanderHave on 01522 442000, or visit the company’s online shop at https://eshop.sesvanderhave.com/uk/