[Different Ways of Diversification of Sugar-beet]

Abstract

This sixth and last paper aims, on the base of a more and more abundant literature, at drawing up the inventory of non conventional products which can be obtained from the sugar beet and its by-products. Let us cite only: bio-ethanol, organic acids, amino acids, proteins, penicillin and other antibiotics, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyols (sorbitol and mannitol), sucroesters and sucroglycerids, enriched pulps, beet fibers and pectins... For each of these products, are successively described: manufacturing process, yield, uses and applications, producing firms, current production and outlook, and comments. The consideration of bio-ethanol shows that the orientation towards these new ways depends chiefly on the EEC decision-making authorities and on the main financial groups. Being given these uncertainties, the strategies of the beet producers remain very simple. They consist primarily in the adoption, with more determination than ever, of technical improvements, and, if possible, in increasing the size of their farm