No real improvement in the technological quality of beet has been recorded over the last 15 years in Northern Italy. Among the possible explanations for the quality stagnation is that the traditional formulae cannot correctly differentiate between sugarbeet varieties which produce thick juice of very high purity. This seems to be connected with the role of potassium. The use of a standard purification procedure gives reliable and accurate data which is immediately comparable with the factory data. Research projects on medium/long term storage are currently being performed by Co.Pro.B., Italy, in cooperation with Syngenta and Beta. Up to now the results have shown that storage of sugarbeet in autumn time in northern Italy is possible provided that suitable varieties and proper handling of the roots are employed. Results obtained in the storage trials are reported. Correlations have been found between quality parameters (purity, color and lime salts) of the purified juice with the glucose content of the raw juice. An interesting correlation is reported between purified juice purity and raw juice purity.

The paper is based on the results of international project entitled "Towards Sustainable Sugar Industry in Europe (TOSSIE)". 33 research topics of major importance to the sugar sector are listed and briefly described, and compared with research priorities of the European Technology Platforms: "Food for Life", "Sustainable Chemistry", "Biofuels", and "Plant for the Future". Most topics are compatible with the research themes included in the COOPERATION part of the 7(th) Framework Program of the EU (2007-2013). However, some topics may require long-term R&D with the time horizon of up to 15 years. The list of topics is divided into four parts: Sugar manufacturing, Applications of biotechnology and biorefinery processing, Sugarbeet breeding and growing, Horizontal issues. Apart from possible use of the list by policy- and decision makers with an interest in sugarbeet sector, the description of each research topic can be used as a starting point in setting up a research project or other R&D activities.

A solution of peracetic acid in hydrogen peroxide (PAA) has been used for two campaigns (2004, 2005) for microbial control of the extraction towers in the Minerbio sugar factory in Italy. The use of formalin has been greatly reduced and totally abandoned for some weeks. In some cases it was necessary to add another biocide in order to maintain the microbial activity within the target: A(L-lactate) <= 300 mg/L. An alkaline solution of hop P-acids has also proved to be very effective in this particular use as a supplementary biocide in combination with PAA. The addition of PAA into the extraction had a positive impact on the pressability of the exhausted pulp. In the 2004 campaign an improved pressed pulp dry substance was obtained (plus 1.4%), but in the 2005 campaign it was decided to reduce the dosage of pressing aids while keeping the dry substance constant. Another beneficial effect was the color reduction of thin juice (-300 IU) and thick juice (-600 IU). This color reduction can be explained by the decrease in the glucose content of the raw juice. Because of the high price of PAA and taking into account also that the sugar losses are somewhat higher than with formalin, the simple economic calculation of the treatment with PAA is still not completely favorable relative to formalin. However an accurate benefit-cost analysis should also take into consideration the social and environmental advantage of replacing a dangerous chemical product such as formalin.