Change in seed purchasing welcomed by sugar beet growers

Britain’s growers have embraced changes to sugar beet seed purchasing arrangements, says global sugar beet breeder SESVanderHave.

Since 2024, farmers can purchase sugar beet seed direct from plant breeders, as well as from British Sugar.

“We launched our campaign to supply growers direct for the 2026 sowing at the 2025 Cereals event,” said Ian Munnery, UK director for SESVanderHave (pictured).

“We have been overwhelmed by the response. The orders exceeded our expectations and more orders have been placed.”

Growers visiting the SESVanderHave stand at Cereals this summer were asked what benefits they believed buying direct from offered. Reasons included decisions based on service, quality and cost. 

Advice and back-up scored highly with farmers. Respondents mentioned the “comprehensive support”when buying direct. They also valued ‘dealing with experienced sugar beet experts and ‘customer support’.

“Such comments endorse the value of the investment we’ve made in people and training,” said Mr Munnery.

Choice and access to the latest varieties were rated highly too – alongside freedom of choice and access to the latest varieties.

Seed quality matters. One long-standing customer noted: “Their seed always germinates and produces a good yield.”

Fresh seed

Buying direct ensures growers receive fresh seed, said Mr Munnery. The varieties we supply for 2026 will be harvested during 2025. And as seed is processed in our facilities growers enjoy more choice on seed treatments and pelleting.”

Economics influence growers’ decisions. Several farmers described the SESVanderHave offer as competitive and cost effective.

“These responses confirm that UK sugar beet growers welcome a fresh way to source seed,” said Mr Munnery. “Currently, SESVanderHave is looking to even more improvements in in our breeding pipeline.”

SESVanderHave varieties for 2026 include the recently launched Possum, Pintail, Patridge, Grouse and Snipe which offer early access to the latest, most promising varieties with innovative genetics. These join Antler, Aslan, Hoopoe and Gadwall which all proved successful in 2025, their first commercial year of use.

SESVanderHave has an online webshop where growers can provisionally secure varieties for 2026 before a contract price announcement from British Sugar & NFU Sugar. This can be found at  https://eshop.sesvanderhave.com/uk/

Alternatively, the SESVanderHave team is available on 01522 442000 offering growers expert advice on the best variety for particular locations and soil type.