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World Association of Beet and Cane Growers (WABCG)

London, November 20, 2023

SA Canegrowers attends WABCG meeting in London

The World Association of Beet and Cane Growers, which counts 36 cane and beet growers’ associations in 34 countries, met on 20th November 2023 in London (United Kingdom).

Sugar beet and sugarcane growers dedicated their working day to comparing their achievements in terms of sustainability over the last 10 years and their ongoing challenges.

They recalled that sustainability can only be achieved by focusing on its three pillars: environmental, social and economic.

Regarding environmental sustainability, they recall that innovation can bring solutions to many different challenges raised by civil society. Innovative technologies and data management should be promoted by a constant dialogue between growers’ associations and technical institutes, with the support of governments. In addition to sugar, ethanol, electricity or biogas production, cane and beet have exceptional diversification potential that should be promoted to reduce fossil GHG emissions in the context of climate change.

Regarding social sustainability, they recall that independent growers, supported by growers’ associations should be acknowledged as the essential body to represent growers in the sugar supply chain, allowing them to be heard and respected. These associations are the necessary interface between governments, consumers, and civil society to constantly adapt and improve farming practices.

Regarding economic sustainability, they consider that the current improved conditions on the sugar market should be used for investment to tackle constraints of production, within the entire supply chain.

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