Press Release: National Poll Reveals Strong Support for the U.S. Sugar Industry
For Immediate Release (September 18, 2023)
Washington, D.C. – In a national survey of 2,000 registered voters, Morning Consult found strong support for the U.S. sugar industry and recognition that it is an important part of the American economy and food security. An overwhelming majority, 94% of surveyed voters, recognize the vital role farmers play in the economy, and 86% of surveyed voters support sugar policy in the Farm Bill.
Chairwoman of the American Sugar Alliance, Cassie Bladow, commented on the findings, “The results of this national survey demonstrate the strong voter sentiment in favor of the U.S. sugar industry and the need for Congress to support our farmers and workers in the Farm Bill. Clearly, voters value domestic sugar production and don’t want to depend on foreign suppliers for an essential food ingredient.”
The survey found that the agriculture and farming industry had the highest support from respondents of U.S. industries surveyed, including oil and gas, technology, food and beverage manufacturing, prescription drugs, automotive, and tourism. The support was enjoyed across a wide political spectrum and geographic distribution. Respondents shared positive sentiments for U.S. sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers, and for sugar policy within the Farm Bill. Key takeaways include:
Americans Prefer American-Made Sugar
The majority of voters expressed a preference for purchasing American-made sugar over imported sugar by a margin of 8 to 1. Voters strongly view farmers as trustworthy. They value the high environmental, labor, and safety standards of the domestic sugar industry. This sentiment transcends political affiliations and geographical regions.
Americans Want to Reduce Dependency on Foreign Suppliers
The majority of voters believe that the domestic food supply should be less dependent on foreign suppliers. This sentiment transcends political affiliations and geographical regions.
Americans Support for Sugar Provisions in the U.S. Farm Bill
Across political affiliations and geographic regions, the vast majority (86%) of voters emphasized the need for Congress to include provisions in the U.S. Farm Bill that adequately support the sugar industry—agreeing on the importance of keeping sugar affordable, ensuring a reliable supply, and protecting American farmers as reasons for their support.
About the Morning Consult Poll
Morning Consult provides comprehensive and unbiased research on critical issues facing the nation. The survey results provide valuable insights into voter sentiment ahead of the Farm Bill reauthorization process. Methodology: This poll was conducted between June 26-June 28, 2023 among a sample of 2013 Registered Voters. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of Registered Voters based on gender by age, educational attainment, race, marital status, home ownership, race by educational attainment, 2020 presidential vote, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
