Sugar Producers Seek Farm Bill Safety Net

This is Tim Hammerich of the Ag Information Network with your Farm of the Future Report.

Twenty-two members of Congress, along with Administration officials, economists, and sugar industry experts just wrapped up the 38th International Sweetener Symposium – right in time for the Farm Bill. This year the event focused on how Farm Bill policies support American food security, says Cassie Bladow, Chairwoman of the American Sugar Alliance and President of the U.S. Beet Sugar Association.

Bladow… “There is strong bipartisan support for sugar policy from leaders in Congress. They recognize the value and contributions our farmers, producers, processors, and workers provide to the American economy.”

Bladow is optimistic about the perception of sugar policy for the upcoming farm bill.

Bladow… “We have been making the point to members of Congress that Americans benefit from having domestic sugar production – and we are seeing that message really resonate with members across the aisle. In addition, organizations across American agriculture, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union, agree we need to pass the Farm Bill with sugar policy intact.”

Bladow blasted opposition to sugar policy as short sighted.

Bladow… “Gutting sugar policy would lead to a dependence on unreliable foreign suppliers – which in turn would cost us American jobs, farms, and domestic food security for this essential ingredient. It also hurts sugar-using companies who depend on a strong domestic industry to provide just-in-time delivery throughout the year. Nobody wins if sugar policy is weakened.”

With the Farm Bill expected to be reauthorized later this year, sugar producers are advocating for sound farm safety net programs and U.S. sugar policy