Key facts

Course Dates
30-31 Oct 2019, 20-21 Nov 2019, 10 Dec 2019 and 11 Dec 2019
Type/Duration
A series of workshops during November and December. Prior to the start of the course, participants will have access to online learning materials to introduce the fundamental concepts.
Entry Requirements
Graduate level or relevant experience within the industry.
Credits
15
Cost
£1600.00
Fee info
Please note that the Irrigation unit is an additional £750 and the BASIS exam fee is £321
IFST Membership
Your course enrolment also entitles you to one year of free membership to the IFST (Institute of Food, Science and Technology).
Course Provider
University of Nottingham
Provider Reference Number
D24ATA
Course Arrangements
Full joining instructions will be confirmed by the course provider.
Course Location
Online, University of Nottingham
Cohort
AFTP Cohort
Course Logistics
This course also offers units running at; BBRO (Norwich), Norfolk and Wissington Factory (Norfolk). Lunch is provided.
CPD Awarding Body
BASIS
CPD Points
30
Tutors

Debbie Sparkes

Mark Stevens

Course overview

This course has been designed for individuals who wish to improve their fundamental understanding of sugar beet production (e.g. growers, agronomists, breeders, consultants). It is recognised by BASIS as an Advanced Module (worth 30 CPD points) and can be applied towards the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy. The optional BASIS exam is held at PGRO in Peterborough on Wednesday 18th December and costs an additional £321.

The course consists of three core two-day workshops; Foundations in Sugar Beet; Crop Protection; Varieties and Seed Technology, and Harvesting, Storage and Processing. There is also an optional two-day unit in Irrigation and Water Management (at an additional cost of £750) . Prior to the start of the course, delegates will have access to online learning materials. This will introduce the fundamental concepts of sugar beet growth and development and how this underpins yield formation. 

This course can also be taken as part of a formal postgraduate programme with the option to study for 15 or 20 credits at Level 7.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

  • Critically review ways in which research impacts upon evolving practice in the sugar beet production and management sector.
  • Apply specific technical knowledge to resolving complex work-based problems.
  • Demonstrate the development of the skills of critical reading, critical thinking and concise and purposeful writing to the formulation of realistic recommendations for the improvement of their workplace practice.
  • Demonstrate and review the use of theory-in-action in a professional context.
Additional Course Information

Areas covered will include:

  • Foundation in Sugar Beet
  • Crop Protection
  • Varieties and Seed Technology
  • Harvesting, Storage and Processing
  • Optional Irrigation and Water Management - please note there is an additional charge of £750 to attend this unit
  • The online learning will be available to participants three weeks before the start of the course. This will introduce the fundamental concepts of sugar beet growth and development and how this underpins yield formation. The content of the online course will be reviewed during the 'Foundation in sugar beet' unit.

Course Structure

Sugar Beet Online Learning

Sugar Beet Online Learning
Start Date: 1 October 2019
Location: Online

This unit can be studied as part of the AFTP's "Advanced Sugar Beet Production and Management" course. 

The online learning will be available to participants three weeks before the start of the course. This will introduce the fundamental concepts of sugar beet growth and development and how this underpins yield formation. The content of the online course will be reviewed during the 'Foundation in sugar beet' unit.

Areas covered will include:

  • Sugar beet agronomy and physiology
  • Sugar beet nutrition
  • Crop protection (virus yellows)
  • Access to a sugar beet growth model

Foundation in Sugar Beet

Foundation in Sugar Beet
Start Date: 30-31 October 2019
Location: University of Nottingham

This unit can be studied as part of the AFTP's "Advanced Sugar Beet Production and Management" course. 

Areas covered will include:

  • Structure of the global sugar market and UK sugar beet industry.
  • Physiology of the sugar beet crop. Crop nutrition. Water use by the crop including current research in this area.
  • Profitability of sugar beet within the rotation.
  • Soils and soil management. seedbed preparation and plant establishment.

Crop Protection (Sugar Beet)

Crop Protection (Sugar Beet)
Start Date: 20-21 November 2019
Location: BBRO (Norwich)

This unit can be studied as part of the AFTP's "Advanced Sugar Beet Production and Management" course. 

Areas covered will include the major weeds, pests and diseases of sugar beet in the UK including existing control measures and current research into new approaches. Sessions will comprise a mixture of seminars and practical laboratory classes.

Harvesting, Storage and Processing (Sugar Beet)

Harvesting, Storage and Processing (Sugar Beet)
Start Date: 11 December 2019
Location: Wissington Factory (Norfolk)

This unit can be studied as part of the AFTP's "Advanced Sugar Beet Production and Management" course. The day will include a tour of Wissington Sugar Factory.

Areas covered will include:

  • Understanding the processor's requirements
  • Harvest, management and topping
  • Quality storage
  • Transport and delivery
  • Breeding for disease resistance

Varieties and Seed Technology (Sugar Beet)

Varieties and Seed Technology (Sugar Beet)
Start Date: 10 December 2019
Location: BBRO (Norwich)

This unit can be studied as part of the AFTP's "Advanced Sugar Beet Production and Management" course. 

Areas covered will include:

  • The history of plant breeding and seed production
  • Seed selection and ordering
  • Breeding for disease resistance
  • Introduction to seed technology at Germains, including a tour of the factory

Irrigation and Water Management (Optional Sugar Beet Unit)

Irrigation and Water Management (Optional Sugar Beet Unit)
Start Date: 12-13 November 2019
Location: Cranfield University

This unit can be studied as part of the AFTP "Advanced Sugar Beet Production and Management" course. It will cover the scientific basis for efficient irrigation and water management in the UK. Please note there is an additional fee of £750 to attend this unit. 

There is an increasing need for efficient and effective irrigation and water management to maximise crop yield and quality whilst making best use of the water available. This is important for meeting the standards required by retailers and consumers; for demonstrating best practice (for example when considering licence renewal); and to minimise costs of production.
My AFTP training course has given me greater confidence day-to-day and more insight into the impact of new techniques and technologies.
Andy Russell - Fresh Produce Technologist, Bakkavor

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