A good season for sugar beets in Poland
Judging by the harvest of beets in the fields, transport, logistics - this is a very good campaign. In terms of production, it will even be record-breaking, because Poland produced over 2.5 million tons of sugar, which is about 200 thousand tons more than last year. Such results would be an absolute record, but for now these values are still based on estimation.
The yield will be higher than last year, it is forecasted that it will reach the level of 68-70 t/ha on average on a national scale. However, there is indeed a group of growers who harvested a lot, over 90t/ha, and even over 100 t/ha. In short, the average for the country is better than last year and the average for the last 5 years.
Sugar content
This year is difficult for beet growers due to the sugar content, which is varied (the lowest is in the south of the country, 14.5-15% polarization, the best in the north, around 17%, in some cases - over 17%). The average polarization on a national scale should be slightly over 16%, so the result of this parameter is disappointing.
The most serious problem in sugar beets was, as every year - Cercospora beticola. There were also quite big problems with aphids during beet emergence, aphids appeared very early and were difficult to combat.
It is already known that next year's season will be more difficult. The prices for beets, which growers will give away in the autumn of this year, will be much lower (even by 30%). This is the biggest worry and pain for farmers, because the costs have not decreased and the profitability of this crop will drop significantly. Some farmers are reducing sowing, some are giving up growing sugar beets. In connection with this, we estimate that the area of crops in 2025 will be lower by about 8% than a year earlier. The situation on the sugar market is dramatic. Sugar is very cheap, both on world markets and in Europe, where it is sold at a price of 520-550 euros/ton. This level is not comparable to the prices that were maintained a dozen or so months ago, when sugar was sold above 800 euros/ton. The decline is clear, which is immediately reflected in the price of sugar beet.
Source: Przedsiębiorca rolny /February 2025