03/09/07 NFU backs sugar policy

Farmers in southwestern Idaho are already preparing their fields for sugarbeet planting starting in the next week to ten days. While their field work goes on the National Farmers Union is asking Congress to keep the no-cost US sugar policy in the upcoming farm bill. NFU president Tom Buis says the current sugar program has a proven track record. BUIS "It's provided consumers with stable reliable supplies of sugar and its provided sugar producers with decent income from the marketplace and certainly been good for employment and economic opportunities in those rural communities." Candy makers and other food producers who use sugar have suggested changing the policy to allow lower cost imported sugar into the US. BUIS "We don't think that's a wise policy and we wanted to come out reaffirming our support and make sure it drew plenty of attention." Food manufacturers are asking Congress to adopt a 1.3-billion dollar a year subsidy program for sugar producers. The American Sugar Alliance is opposed to such a change. Idaho sugar beet growers don't want to see any changes either. The American Farm Bureau Federation, the nation's largest ag trade association representing more than six-million members also has a favorable sugar policy resolution on its books. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott