Reorganization of the Sugar Beet Supply Process as an Opportunity for a more Sustainable Transport: Based on a Model for the Polish Sugar Sector

Abstract

This paper presents the impact of reorganization efforts on the ability to enhance the sustainability of the sugar beet supply process, as illustrated by the example of the Polish sugar sector. As a result of the solutions deployed, the farmers spend less on beet transport and may therefore allocate the freed-up resources to other activities. The professionalization of transport also contributed to reducing the farmers’ expenditure on logistical activities involved in sugar beet farming and delivery. These are benefits that directly affect the economic viability of sugar beet farming. As regards the environmental and social impact of transport, it was concluded that making consistent efforts to restrict the transport operations handled directly by the growers contributed to reducing (i) carbon exhaust emissions and (ii) nuisance caused by agricultural vehicles on public roads. In the period under review, the reorganization of beet supply to sugar refineries resulted in decreasing the CO2 emission ratio from 6.38 kg/t to 4.07 kg/t (by 36%).