National Farmers Union Supports No-Cost Sugar Policy

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One of the nation’s leading advocates for family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities renewed its support for a no-cost U.S. sugar policy that creates a level playing field for sugar producers while ensuring a safe, reliable, and affordable supply of sugar for consumers. 

National Farmers Union (NFU), which works on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities, issued its policy resolution in support of U.S. sugar policy at its 120th anniversary convention in Denver. The convention brought together NFU members, industry professionals, policymakers, and reporters. 

The major components of NFU’s policy resolution include: 

  • Continuation of the no-cost U.S. sugar program and encouraging Congress to work with U.S. sugar producers to adopt a strong sugar program in future Farm Bills 
  • Continuation of the suspension agreements governing sugar trade with Mexico 
  • Opposition to ethanol produced from imported sugar receiving any taxpayer subsidies 

NFU has been a long-time supporter of no-cost U.S. sugar policy, voicing its support during debates over the 2018 Farm Bill. 

The Farm Bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture to offer loans on domestically produced sugar that is being stored for customers until they need and pay for it. These loans help farmers cover their production expenses. The loans are repaid to USDA with interest and there are no subsidy checks, meaning that the policy is designed to operate at no cost to taxpayers.

Importantly, U.S. sugar policy gives America’s sugar producers the stability they need to invest in more efficient and sustainable farming operations, preserving multi-generational family farms and strengthening the rural economy.

“The importance of National Farmers Union’s ongoing support for no-cost U.S. sugar policy cannot be overstated,” said Luther Markwart, chairman of the American Sugar Alliance. “NFU has a strong history of working with and advocating for farm families and rural communities, which are the backbone of our country and our sugar producing members. We look forward to partnering with NFU and others as we advocate for America’s sugar producers in the 2023 Farm Bill.”