Saint Louis Sucre's sugar mills deal not sweet enough

Sixteen sugar mills belonging to Slaska Spolka Cukrowa will go to French company Saint Louis Sucre (SLS). SLS representative Leszek Podstawski said, "We only have to put it on paper." Although the exact money involved is not known, Polish sugarbeet farmers say they are not satisfied with the results of the negotiations. They say they have been cheated out of the deal and are demanding a special package for farmers be signed that would protect their interests. The producers suggested to the Treasury Ministry a French system of payment for sugar beets could be implemented. Under the proposition the price of sugarbeets would depend on the price of sugar on the market. The farmers say no agreement has been reached as far as sector agreements, farmers' representation on boards of directors, participation in share issues or cooperation between SLS and the farmers. They are demanding not only the package for farmers be negotiated and officially confirmed but that its text be revealed to the public. (Rzeczpospolita, Sept. 9-10, page B2)