Across the nation, Thanksgiving brings us together around the table and in our communities. America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane growers share in that spirit of connection, adding sweetness to our celebrations and strength to our communities. Their work reminds us that giving back takes many forms, and all of them make life a little sweeter.

Michigan Sugar Company

Michigan Sugar Company members volunteer at their annual United Way Sugar Distribution Day.

Michigan Sugar Company celebrated National Real Sugar Day in a big way! Team members came together to volunteer at the company’s annual United Way Sugar Distribution Day, donating over 57,000 pounds of REAL Pioneer Sugar to more than 100 nonprofits, many of them food pantries, across multiple counties.

We’re proud of Michigan Sugar Company for stepping up in such an impactful way for families and neighbors in need.

Domino Sugar

Domino Sugar Refinery employees lowering 50 cages of baby oysters into the bay.

The Domino Sugar refinery is located right in the heart of Baltimore on the Patapsco River. Oysters act as a natural filtration system and keep the water clean for other living creatures. With oyster populations in severe decline, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation launched an Oyster Gardening Program, with Domino Sugar proudly taking part.

Every fall, Domino Sugar employees lower cages of baby oysters into the river to begin their growth. Throughout the season, volunteers regularly clean and care for the oysters before they are released into a sanctuary reef in the Chesapeake Bay. Every year, Domino Sugar helps raise more than 100,000 oysters, contributing to the health of the river and the restoration of this ecosystem, and this year’s process is off to a great start.

American Crystal Sugar Company

Ryan Wall, Vice President-Administration at American Crystal Sugar Company, accepting an award at the local Scouting America council’s Hometown Heroes Gala in honor of American Crystal’s contributions to the local community, and bags of Crystal Sugar ready to pack into meal boxes for those in need.

American Crystal Sugar Company has made a commitment to give 5 cents for every ton of sugarbeets harvested to local charities in the communities where its employees live and work. At part of that commitment, American Crystal shares the sweet gift of sugar, donating tens of thousands of pounds of its namesake Crystal Sugar across the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North Dakota.

That means more than 6,000 families in the Red River Valley will have sugar in their holiday meal boxes this holiday season.

In October, American Crystal Sugar Company was recognized for this work with the In-Kind Partner Award from the local Scouting America council.

U.S. Sugar

Students with their new backpacks provided by U.S. Sugar.

U.S. Sugar knows that strong classrooms mean strong communities. At the start of the school year, U.S. Sugar donated 120 backpacks filled with school supplies to help local students head off to school prepared for the year ahead!

Western Sugar Cooperative

More than 700 farmers across 4 states grow sugarbeets for Western Sugar Cooperative. This year, Western Sugar was a key sponsor for Bayard Public Schools in Nebraska, helping fund school activities and programs for a school system serving many of its grower-owners in the state. This sponsorship helped ensure students have access to enriching opportunities both inside and outside the classroom and furthered Western Sugar’s support for local education, youth development, and community engagement.

Louisiana Sugar Refining

Boxes filled with a turkey, a 4-pound bag of sugar, green beans, mac and cheese, and other Thanksgiving dinner essentials ready to be distributed.

The Louisiana Sugar Refining (LSR) refinery in Gramercy, Louisiana, is a cornerstone of its local community. LSR and its contractors worked together to provide local families with a Thanksgiving meal through their annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive. The boxes, which included a turkey, will ensure that several families who may normally have to do without will have a full table and a warm meal to celebrate the season.

Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative

A Minn-Dak sugar donation being delivered to a food pantry in Wahpeton, North Dakota.

Every year, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative donates sugar to several food pantries in the surrounding region, including food pantries in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and the towns of Fegus Falls, Hoffman, and Elbow Lake in Minnesota. To date in 2025, Minn-Dak has donated more than 5,500 pounds of sugar to food pantries, providing neighbors in need with an essential ingredient – grown and processed right there in the Red River Valley. The grower-owned cooperative also donates sugar packets to area churches, sweetening coffee and strengthening its bonds with the local community.

The sugar community’s reach is far and wide. This Thanksgiving season, we’re grateful for our sugarbeet and sugarcane growers, and our partners who work so hard and find time to give back to their communities.

This year, as you gather with family and loved ones, hopefully eating a sweet piece (or two!) of pie, remember to thank America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane growers for their hard work.

Here’s to gratitude, good company, and another very sweet Thanksgiving.

Welcome to harvest season! Sugarbeets and sugarcane are harvested in different ways, but both become the real sugar on your table. It’s all thanks to the family farmers and workers whose work sustains rural communities and keeps America sweet. Here is a glimpse into how they do it.

Sugarbeet Harvest

By late August, the seeds our farmers planted in the spring have grown into sturdy roots, ready to be pulled from the ground.

The first step is to defoliate the sugarbeet by removing their leafy tops. The leaves of the beet act as natural insulation, so the timing of this step can change depending on weather or harvest conditions. Next comes a harvester, which lifts the beets out of the ground and shakes off excess dirt.

Instead of using two tractors pulling a defoliator and a harvester, some farmers use a self-propelled harvester that combines both steps into one.

The sugarbeets are loaded into the bed of a semitruck or a beet cart right there in the field to be taken to a receiving station or factory, where the beets are stacked into towering outdoor piles and Mother Nature acts as natural refrigeration. The beets will stay in storage until they move through the factory, so these piles must be carefully managed to minimize spoiling.

Finally, the sugarbeets make their way to the factory, where they’re sliced and the sugar is extracted and crystalized.

Quick Facts About Sugarbeet Harvest

• Farmers need to harvest their beets before it gets too cold, or the sugarbeets will freeze in the ground.
• In the Red River Valley spanning Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, harvest runs for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if conditions are right. Can you imagine having to fix a broken sugarbeet harvester at 3 AM? This is reality for many farmers!
• Factories will also run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the spring to process the sugarbeets into refined sugar. This is called a campaign.
• No part of the sugarbeet goes to waste! Beet pulp pellets and shreds are used in a variety of ways; it is a premium food source for animals like show horses, or in the pet food you might find at your local pet store. Beet juice is also used in deicing mixtures to help clear roads and runways.

Sugarcane Harvest

Sugarcane is unique in that it is planted in the fall, and it will grow for a full year before it’s ready to harvest. That means planting and harvesting overlap. Harvesting begins in mid-September and goes through mid-January in Louisiana and into May in Florida. Some sugarcane operations also harvest 24/7 – our farmers work hard until the job is done!

Rotating scrolls, or the crop dividers, on the sugarcane harvesters feed the cane into the harvester, where the cane stalks are chopped into smaller pieces and the excess leafy material is blown back onto the field. The cut cane is put into a cart which drives alongside the harvester, and which will eventually dump the cane into a semitruck or train car to take to the mill. New shoots will sprout from the sugarcane stubble left in the ground for the next few harvests, which is why all of the sugarcane on a farm doesn’t need to be planted annually.

From there, the sugarcane is transported to a nearby raw sugar mill to extract the sugar from the cane. Finally, the raw sugar is transported to a refinery to finish processing and packaging.

Quick Facts About Sugarcane Harvest

• Unlike sugarbeets, which can be stored for months, sugarcane must be processed into raw sugar as quickly as possible after harvest to preserve sugar content and prevent spoilage.
• Bagasse, the fibrous material that’s left over after the sugar juice is squeezed out of sugarcane stalks, fuels the boilers in the mills, producing steam and bioelectricity to power operations.
• Florida sugarcane producer U.S. Sugar owns one of largest privately-owned WiFi networks in the world. It covers 270 square miles and allows its tractors to navigate with sub-inch precision.
• Louisiana is the northern-most location in the world where sugarcane is grown.

As you can see, sugarbeet and sugarcane harvest require immense amounts of specialized equipment and skilled labor. Harvest always comes with challenges – like unpredictable weather or equipment failures. But this year, some farmers are facing yet another challenge: they may not even break even on their crop.

In just the past two years, prices for beet sugar and cane sugar have fallen by 42% and 22%, respectively. This dramatic fall in prices coupled with persistently high input costs – up more than 30% since the 2018 – are unsustainable.

We are thankful for the dedication of America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers as they bring in the crops that keep it sweet in America.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) unanimously voted yesterday to maintain the Suspension Agreements on sugar imported from Mexico. This concludes a legal and procedural process required to be undertaken by the USITC and the Department of Commerce every five years to ensure the Suspension Agreements remain effective and are working as intended.

“Sugar is an essential ingredient for American consumers and food manufacturers, and our farmers and workers are proud to produce sugar here in the United States. However, predatory international trade practices threaten our family farms and American factories, and the USITC’s decision to continue the Suspension Agreements reflects that reality. Without these Suspension Agreements in place, the USITC found it likely that American farmers and workers would once again experience material injury due to dumped and subsidized Mexican sugar,” said Dr. Rob Johansson, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis at the American Sugar Alliance.

The United States maintains antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) laws to defend domestic industries from injury by dumped and subsidized imports. In 2014, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled unanimously that imports of dumped and subsidized sugar from Mexico materially injured the U.S. sugar industry. The resulting duties levied on Mexican sugar exports to the U.S. to prevent damage to American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers were suspended by the AD/CVD Suspension Agreements with Mexico. Those agreements between the U.S. and Mexican government and the Mexican industry were signed in 2014 and strengthened by the first Trump Administration in 2017.

“On behalf of the 11,000 sugarcane and sugarbeet farmers and all of the sugar workers the American Sugar Alliance serves, thank you to the Trump Administration for continuing to put America’s farmers first,” said Luther Markwart, Chairman of the American Sugar Alliance and Executive Vice President & CEO of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association. “We know that food security is national security, and we must continue to foster a fair market in the U.S. that allows our domestic farmers and sugar processors to thrive.”

The Suspension Agreements were put into place after Mexico cost U.S. producers $4 billion and many sugar workers their jobs. The continuation of the Suspension Agreements for another five years will ensure Mexico is held accountable for its trade practices.

On behalf of the nation’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers, the American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement on Luke Lindberg’s confirmation as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

“The American Sugar Alliance congratulates Luke Lindberg on his confirmation as Under Secretary for TFAA. Under Secretary Lindberg understands that a strong agricultural trade agenda and enforceable trade rules are essential to keeping American agriculture competitive. This is especially true for sugar, since without U.S. sugar policy, our growers and workers would be forced to compete against foreign producers who unfairly benefit from foreign subsides and illicit trade practices. President Donald Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins continue to add to a robust team at USDA, making it clear that they are committed to putting America’s farmers first.” 

America’s sugar producers are proud to support more than 151,000 jobs coast to coast, drive $23.3 billion in annual economic impact, and provide a steady, affordable supply of made-in-America sugar. American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers supply approximately 75% of the sugar consumed nationwide.

Traverse City, MI – Immense financial pressures and predatory international trade practices are threatening American family farms and factories. Farm economy and sugar policy exports presented on the challenges facing the U.S. sugar industry at the American Sugar Alliance’s 40th annual meeting this week.

Presenters shared that farmers’ operating margins are being squeezed by falling revenue and persistently high input costs.

“Farmers around the country have been dealing with historic inflation. Farm production expenses have increased by over $100 billion since 2018. Every single input category is more expensive today than what it was five or six years ago. The challenge that we have today is that the input costs are not going back down. The input costs remain elevated, they remain steady,” said Dr. John Newton, Executive Head, Terrain.

In just the past two years, prices for sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers have fallen by 26% and 13%, respectively. Those prices continue to fall as foreign nations that subsidize their own domestic industries are expected to dump near record amounts of sugar on the world market.

“According to market fundamentals, we have a massive deficit, prices should be high. However, stock draw downs, speculative market behavior, currency movements, shifts in ethanol diversion, and broader economic factors all have contributed to weaker sugar prices,” said Jose Orive, Executive Director, International Sugar Organization.

In response to these market conditions, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act included much needed provisions to strengthen U.S. sugar policy and help keep family farms in America. Over the past year, American farmers, workers, and food manufacturers joined together to advocate for these sugar policy provisions.

“In the Farm Bill, we supported its sugar provisions, loan rates and CCC storage rates were increased, and this reflects the very real rising cost of production that you’ve all faced,” said Randy Green, Principal, Watson Green, LLC; Consultant to the Sweetener Users Association. “Sugar users value our domestic suppliers. They have a preference for domestic sugar. . .We hope to continue working together with you on policies to benefit growers and users alike.”

Dr. Rob Johansson, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis for the American Sugar Alliance, moderated several panels while speaking to the importance of U.S. sugar policy.

“Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the farm safety net, and the sugar provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will provide our family farmers and producers with more certainty in the face of increased risk,” said Dr. Johansson. “A robust American sugar industry is critical to supporting our rural economies and maintaining our national food security.”

The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement:

“America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane family farmers and workers are grateful the One Big Beautiful Bill Act included much needed provisions to strengthen U.S. sugar policy and help keep family farms in America. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of congressional leadership and the Trump Administration to advance policies that put America’s farmers first. Our farmers and workers will continue to advocate to Congress and the Administration for policies to help them weather the immense financial pressures and predatory international trade practices threatening our family farms and American factories.”

Farm policy is about much more than just the farm – it affects countless jobs from the field to the factory. Sugar is the main engine of economic growth in dozens of communities across the country, and much of the sugar made in America is done so by a union workforce. Supporting a strong U.S. sugar policy means supporting good, American manufacturing jobs.  

Members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) were recently on Capitol Hill to share how Florida’s sugar industry is central to their communities.

More than 11,000 family farmers grow sugarbeets and sugarcane. Real sugar is then extracted from those crops and packaged into the refined sugar in your pantry at factories, mills, and refineries across the country. The economic impact of the sugar industry adds up to $23.3 billion annually for the U.S. economy – all centered around businesses that are farmer-owned, employee-owned, or family-owned. Some of our farmers and workers are passing down multi-generational legacies.

Eddy Garcia is a second-generation sugar worker at Florida Crystals, following in his dad’s footsteps. His daughter is now the third generation working at the company. Nancy Gutierrez, a special equipment operator at Florida Crystals, is also a multi-generational sugar worker.

“These jobs are generational jobs,” said Cornelius Fowler, a tractor-trailer operator with Florida Crystals. Fowler’s family has been living in the Glades communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee for more than 80 years and maintaining a strong U.S. sugar policy and good American jobs is personal to his family.

“Working in the sugar industry has given me the ability to send my kids to college,” Fowler shared. “I am grateful to be able to do these things to ensure my family continues having opportunities to live the American dream. Manufacturing jobs are the backbone of our community… [having] good-paying jobs in our community only makes us stronger.”

Working in sugar has also opened doors for U.S. Sugar worker Jose Medina, who was joined in DC by his son Jose Jr. Medina started working at U.S. Sugar more than 23 years ago, starting as a laborer hauling sugarcane as it was brought to the mill and working his way up to the position of microbiologist.

“It’s been an awesome career – I graduated high school, I didn’t go to college, but I immediately [started working at] U.S. Sugar and worked my way up. I’m grateful. It’s brought my family stability and a chance to put food on the table.”

“I’m really proud of him,” his son said, smiling.

Terry Crawford, with 26 years of experience, and Roger Schultz, are also long-term employees at U.S. Sugar.

“Without these jobs, our communities would dry up. This is the lifeblood of us around the lake. It’s not just the sugar people themselves, you have every store, every parts store, the barbershops, the restaurants – someway they’re connected to sugar,” Schultz explained.

The stories of our Florida sugar workers illustrate how sugar affects just one rural region. Yet, our industry operates a vast and integrated supply chain, encompassing more than 100 domestic sugar factories, mills, refineries, and storage facilities. This network ensures a stable, reliable supply of sugar to American manufacturers and consumers while also providing critical job opportunities in hundreds of towns across the country.

If you missed the first two installments of Sugar 101, check them out here: 

• Sugar 101: Meet Your Made-In-America Sweetener

• Sugar 101: How U.S. Sugar Policy Keeps it Sweet in America

The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement:

“America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers are proud to produce sugar right here in America. Unfortunately, our family farms and factories are facing immense financial pressures which are making it difficult to continue. Several American sugar processing facilities have permanently closed in recent years resulting in the loss of multi-generational sugarbeet and sugarcane family farms and sugar worker jobs – an urgent signal that the farm safety net needs to be strengthened in order to keep sugar production in America and provide food security for consumers. Since the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill two years ago, sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers have been pressing Congress to update and improve the farm safety net. We thank Chairman Boozman and his colleagues for including in the reconciliation package necessary updates to the Farm Bill sugar provisions which have received strong, bipartisan support in past Farm Bill deliberations.”

June is National Candy Month, a celebration of all things sweet. This month—and every month—we take great pride in the hard work and dedication of America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers. Thanks to them, both candy manufacturers and consumers benefit from high-quality, made-in-America sugar. Sugar is an essential ingredient in not only your favorite treats, but also countless everyday foods vital to a balanced and healthy diet.

When we celebrate sweets, we’re also celebrating American family farmers and the policies that support their farms. While other confectionery inputs like cocoa remain difficult to procure, U.S. sugar policy helps ensure a reliable, affordable supply of sugar—keeping food manufacturing lines running, supporting American manufacturing jobs, benefiting local economies, and bolstering supply chains.

Due in part to the reliability of America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane growers and the stability provided by U.S. sugar policy, business is booming for American confectioners. The National Confectioner’s Association announced a new U.S. sales record of $54 billion in 2024.

Congratulations to America’s candy makers and a big thank you to our farmers and workers who provide just-in-time delivery of sugar throughout the year while meeting some of the highest labor, environmental, and food quality standards in the world.

Here are some more sweet facts to snack on this National Candy Month:

🍬 American farmers and workers supply 70-75% of the nation’s sugar needs. We expect a record year of American sugar production this year!

🍬 U.S. sugar policy ensures that we always have sugar available—current projections estimate that the U.S. could carry over as much as 4 billion pounds of sugar into the next marketing year.

🍬 Domestic producers provide sugar at reasonable prices despite supply uncertainties in the world market.

🍬 U.S. sugar policy puts our farmers and food manufacturers first. The high profitability and low volatility of the American candy industry can be attributed, in part, to U.S. sugar policy.

🍬 Data from the past dozen years shows a large amount in spending by food manufacturing companies in the U.S. to expand production—at least $1 billion per year for the past 12 years. There have been recent announcements of investments and expansions in candy manufacturing in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

🍬 All of this comes at zero cost to taxpayers and an affordable cost to consumers.

Behind every sugar-sweetened treat are farm families and workers who are dedicated to producing American-made sugar. So, if you dig into something sweet to celebrate National Candy Month, don’t forget to thank a farmer.

The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement:

“America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers are proud to produce sugar right here in America. Unfortunately, our family farms and factories are facing immense financial pressures which are making it difficult to continue. Several American sugar processing facilities have permanently closed in recent years resulting in the loss of multi-generational sugarbeet and sugarcane family farms and sugar worker jobs – an urgent signal that the farm safety net needs to be strengthened in order to keep sugar production in America and provide food security for consumers. Since the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill two years ago, sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers have been pressing Congress to update and improve the farm safety net. We thank Chairman Thompson and his colleagues for including in the reconciliation package necessary updates to the Farm Bill sugar provisions which have received strong, bipartisan support in past Farm Bill deliberations. We also thank Chairman Smith and his colleagues for including several tax provisions that will benefit family farmers in the reconciliation package, including vital tax relief that will make it easier for farmers to pass along their multi-generation operations and keep sugarbeet and sugarcane farms in America.”

Why is your tractor worth more than our house?”

Minnesota sugarbeet farmer Neil Rockstad recalled a kitchen table conversation with his wife while speaking at the 101st annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. She had observed that the cost of a new tractor was worth more than their house.

The already high – and rising – cost of essential farm equipment was one of the common themes at the 101st Agricultural Outlook Forum hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Arlington, VA, on February 28, 2025.

Both Neil and Louisiana sugarcane grower Travis Medine presented as part of the sugar panel at the forum. They observed that labor and machinery were among the highest costs in their farm budgets. Much of that machinery is highly specialized for sugarbeet or sugarcane cultivation.

“All of our harvest and processing equipment – especially in the sugarcane industry – is specific to that crop and that crop only. I can’t take my sugarcane planters and go plant anything else with them. I can’t take my sugarcane harvester and do anything other than cut grass with it – and I can tell you, you don’t want to cut grass with a half-a-million-dollar lawnmower,” Travis remarked.

Neil shared that not only is there a large upfront investment for farming implements, but the cost to fuel and maintain them is also extremely high – especially when field work requires multiple tractors. It costs $1,000 a day to fuel just one tractor.

Farmers in Louisiana are experiencing similar budget pressures. Budget modeling conducted by Louisiana State University found that for Louisiana sugarcane farmers, land rent is up about 59 percent over the past five years, fixed costs are up 62 percent, and total costs are up 43 percent.

Modern farming and incredible advancements in on-farm practices have increased efficiencies and reduced the need for inputs such as fertilizer and crop protection tools, but is also incredibly expensive.

“We’re pledging our farms, our land, our houses, our machinery against a short-term operating loan, hoping that we can make it to the end of the season without a crop disaster or a significant price downturn,” Neil said.

Both farmers noted that crop insurance is an essential risk management tool to help farmers recover and plant again following a crop disaster. Even then, crop insurance does not cover all the costs of planting and cultivating a crop or the lost revenue. Farmers must always plan for the worst-case scenario.

“We have to have enough in our budget to deal with the bad things that happen and just hope that they don’t,” Travis said.

Neil and Travis both highlighted the benefits of sugar production to their farms and rural communities. Benefits that would disappear if it was no longer financially viable to farm sugarbeets and sugarcane. Travis noted the “generational aspect of farming” and the need to create a strong succession plan.

More than anything, the farmers noted the urgent need for a five-year Farm Bill to bring greater certainty to the farm economy. The Farm Bill proposals put forth in the last Congress included a strengthened U.S. sugar policy.

Neil concluded his presentation with a plea to Capitol Hill: “Congress needs to pass a five-year Farm Bill to provide confidence for us to make all of these investment in a crop.” 

On behalf of the nation’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers, the American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement on Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation as Secretary of Labor:

“Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has been a great advocate for America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and we congratulate her on her well-deserved confirmation as Secretary of Labor. We were honored to host Chavez-DeRemer at last year’s International Sweetener Symposium, where she reiterated that ‘federal policies must ensure that our farmers and ranchers have the support they need.’

“America’s sugar industry is proud to offer good American jobs, many of which are union jobs and are often located in communities where other job opportunities may be limited. We look forward to working with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to continue supporting American jobs and addressing labor challenges that harm our farms and factories.”

America’s sugar producers are proud to support more than 151,000 jobs coast to coast, drive $23.3 billion in annual economic impact, and provide a steady, affordable supply of made-in-America sugar. American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers supply approximately 75% of the sugar consumed nationwide.

On behalf of the nation’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers, the American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement on Howard Lutnick’s confirmation as Secretary of Commerce:

“At a time when our sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers face mounting challenges, including rising input costs and heavily subsidized foreign sugar, we are confident Secretary Lutnick will champion policies that put America’s farmers first. We congratulate Secretary Lutnick and know his leadership will be essential to ensuring a level playing field for American agriculture and securing the long-term strength of our domestic sugar industry.” 

America’s sugar producers are proud to support more than 151,000 jobs coast to coast, drive $23.3 billion in annual economic impact, and provide a steady, affordable supply of made-in-America sugar. American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers supply approximately 75% of the sugar consumed nationwide.

South Texas was once home to the farmer-owned Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers (RGVSG) cooperative, comprised of more than 100 family farmers growing sugarcane and a raw sugar mill in Santa Rosa. Due to Mexico’s failure to deliver the water it owes the United States under the 1944 Water Treaty, the mill is now shuttered and the few remaining acres of sugarcane plowed under.

Jennifer Cervantes, who has represented these farmers for more than 15 years, painted a picture of a once vibrant sugarcane industry in her statements before a House Appropriations Committee member briefing yesterday. Read her statement as prepared.

Nearly 40,000 acres of sugarcane once grew in the Rio Grande Valley, fueling the sugar mill and providing approximately 500 jobs critical to these rural communities. The loss of the RGVSG has been felt across the entire region.

“[The RGVSG cooperative] was a vital part of the region’s agricultural sector and the sugar supply chain in the U.S. The industry contributed over $200 million annually to the Texas economy, was the only producer of raw sugar in Texas, and was one of only three sugarcane-producing states left in the U.S.,” Jennifer said.

The steep decline in sugarcane acreage in Texas can be directly attributed to Mexico’s decision to not deliver the water it owes the U.S. With irrigation water supplies at critical levels, and with little water coming from Mexico, growers were forced to make the hard decision to plow out their sugarcane. In early 2023, sugarcane acreage fell from 34,000 to 16,500, and then again to 10,000 acres in early 2024. Now, there are zero acres planted to sugarcane in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Investing in and conducting required maintenance on the sugar mill to continue operating was infeasible,” Jennifer explained. “Without a sugar mill to process harvested sugarcane, the remaining sugarcane acres were plowed out – with growers bearing the losses.”

The closure of the RGVSG cooperative mill and the significant loss of agricultural production has economic consequences and national food security implications.

“Strength in our supply chains, especially for food production, occurs when diverse locations across the country can sustain production, allowing a poor crop in one region to be offset by good harvests in other regions. Mexico is blatantly appropriating water that rightfully belongs to the United States, enhancing its food security while undermining ours,” Jennifer said.

American farmers cannot survive when other countries fail to uphold their international agreements. The U.S. government must immediately support strong enforcement of the 1944 Water Treaty and ensure Mexico delivers water in a timely manner.

Jennifer stressed the urgency of the situation in Texas, asking Congress and the Trump Administration to “reset our posture with Mexico on this Treaty before more agriculture is plowed under and more livelihoods are lost.”

From left to right: Jed Murray, Texas International Produce Association; Jennifer Cervantes; Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee on National Security; Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX-15); Dale Murden, Texas Citrus Mutual.

Tim Deal, a fourth-generation farmer from Minnesota, testified in front of the Senate Agriculture Committee yesterday, telling members that while he’s proud to play a role in feeding America, “pride does not pay the bills.”

Tim’s testimony on the hardships of higher input costs and greater financial pressures highlights the grave challenges facing family farmers across the country and the immediate need for a five-year Farm Bill. Read his testimony as prepared.

“This hearing is timely and important. Many growers across the country are truly struggling under very difficult economic conditions,” Tim said.

Tim grows sugarbeets in Doran, Minn., and serves as Vice President of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association and as Chairman of the board of the Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative. Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative is a 51-year-old grower-owned cooperative with more than 450 shareholders in Minnesota and North Dakota. In fact, every sugar factory and refinery in the U.S. is either cooperatively-owned, employee-owned or family-owed. Deal testified to the significance of this cooperative structure for farmers.

“Sugar prices for sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers have fallen by more than 10 percent over the past year. In addition, our story is complicated by the fact we must pay for on-farm expenses and investments, but also factory expenses and investments [such as capital improvements and operating costs]. That means all the increases in labor, fuel, fertilizer, and equipment costs over the past few years…fall on the sugarbeet and sugarcane farmer,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Tim noted the incredible benefits of U.S. sugar production for both taxpayers and consumers. Sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers have invested in a resilient supply chain and on-farm efficiencies. These investments, while costly for farmers, will enable American sugar production to hit a new record this year – coming on the heels of another record year. Consumers benefit from an affordable and available supply of sugar thanks to American farmers.

Yet, the Farm Bill is now woefully out of sync with the real-world stressors faced by farmers like Tim. It no longer provides a stable economic foundation for farmers to operate and produce crops for our nation’s food security.

“In addition to cost and price pressures, we are grappling with an out-of-date Farm Bill safety net,” Tim said. “Without a meaningful improvement in the safety net, many growers, including sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, will find it harder to finance their operations.”

On behalf of the nation’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers, the American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement on Doug Burgum’s confirmation as Secretary of the Interior:

“The American Sugar Alliance congratulates Doug Burgum on his confirmation as Secretary of the Interior. His leadership will be essential to ensuring that America’s farmers have the resources they need to succeed. As the former governor of North Dakota, home to the Red River Valley, the largest sugarbeet-production region in America, we know Secretary Burgum understands how important domestic sugar production is to ensure a reliable supply of a critical ingredient and to strengthen our national food security. We look forward to working with him to address the challenges facing rural communities and advancing policies that put America’s farmers first.” 

America’s sugar producers are proud to support more than 151,000 jobs coast to coast, drive $23.3 billion in annual economic impact, and provide a steady, affordable supply of made-in-America sugar. American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers supply approximately 75% of the sugar consumed nationwide

On behalf of the nation’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers, the American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement on Kristi Noem’s confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security:

“Congratulations to Kristi Noem on her confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security. We look forward to once again partnering with Secretary Noem to address the needs and priorities of America’s sugar producers. From her time in Congress and as governor of South Dakota, Secretary Noem knows well the challenges faced by the agriculture industry. That includes strong enforcement of U.S. trade and customs laws and safeguarding the supply chains that power America’s rural economies.” 

America’s sugar producers are proud to support more than 151,000 jobs coast to coast, drive $23.3 billion in annual economic impact, and provide a steady, affordable supply of made-in-America sugar. American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers supply approximately 75% of the sugar consumed nationwide.

On behalf of the nation’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers, the American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement on Marco Rubio’s confirmation as Secretary of State:

“Congratulations to Marco Rubio on his confirmation as Secretary of State. As the former senator from Florida, Secretary Rubio understands just how deeply American sugar production is tied to America’s economy, food security, and rural communities. Secretary Rubio and the Trump administration are committed to ensuring that American industries – including sugar – remain competitive in the face of global challenges. Secretary Rubio will be a great champion for protecting U.S. agricultural interests on the world stage.”

America’s sugar producers are proud to support more than 151,000 jobs coast to coast, drive $23.3 billion in annual economic impact, and provide a steady, affordable supply of made-in-America sugar. American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers supply approximately 75% of the sugar consumed nationwide.

The American Sugar Alliance (ASA) appreciates congressional leaders including a one-year Farm Bill extension and much-needed financial assistance for America’s farmers in the Continuing Resolution and urges Congress to immediately pass the legislation.

Jack Pettus, Chairman of ASA and Vice President of the American Sugar Cane League, representing Louisiana’s sugar producers, issued the following statement:

“American farmers have dealt with extraordinary challenges over the past several years. We are grateful that Congress is advancing an extension of the Farm Bill while providing critical assistance, and we urge all members to pass this vital legislation. Congress must move a five-year Farm Bill as soon as possible in the new year. Congress has an opportunity to put America’s farmers first by delivering greater certainty for rural America and providing a stronger farm safety net.”

Farmers across the country are sending an SOS to Congress: Delaying enactment of much-needed improvements to the farm safety net harms the farmers we rely on every single day to feed us.

Without a five-year Farm Bill, America will lose more farms, and we will become increasingly dependent on other countries to feed us.

We are already losing too many farms. “Farmers desperately need help,” Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) said on the Senate floor on Monday. “Many farm families are ending 2024 in the red, unable to pay off this year’s operating loan, unable to get the loan to farm in 2025, and face the reality of being the next generation to have lost the family farm due to extreme market conditions beyond their control.” 

More than five dozen financial experts and farm lenders wrote to Congress earlier this year warning that “American farmers are experiencing economic stress due to falling prices, rising interest rates, and high input costs. Sugarbeet and sugarcane sugar producers are no different.”

Our agricultural trade deficit with other countries has grown alarmingly, with America – formerly the food basket of the world – importing an expected $45.5 billion more in agricultural goods than we export. That means we are already reliant on other nations for our food and fiber. We’ve been talking a lot about the budget and policy options for a new Farm Bill, but plain and short, the policy decisions on Capitol Hill have real practical impacts on family farmers.

“It’s become so expensive to farm. We are harvesting right now in Florida, and it costs me $1,000 just to fill a tractor with diesel. The current Farm Bill just doesn’t reflect how much farmers are currently investing into agriculture.”

Keith Wedgworth

Sugarcane farmer from Florida 

“As a younger farmer, I need to secure an operating loan to have the money I need upfront to purchase seed and get my crop in the ground. But since Congress hasn’t passed a new Farm Bill yet, the bank isn’t lending as much money to farmers – or they’re asking farmers to pay more for a loan. If I can’t get an affordable loan this spring, I might not be able to farm at all.”

Ben Jantz

Sugarbeet farmer from Idaho

“We’ve been through the woes of low prices before, but it takes a well-established farm to get through it and it’s hard for a young farmer to survive. Sugarbeets are the bright spot right now. I would say the other crops we grow, anything that wasn’t sold ahead last winter, we’re looking at substantial losses on those acres with the cost of production what it is.”

Lynn Johnson

Sugarbeet farmer from Minnesota

“My daughter Audrey is three and my son KJ is one. I hope that they can continue the family tradition of sugarcane farming. We need a strong Farm Bill.”

Kyle Zenon

Sugarcane farmer from Louisiana

America’s farm and ranch families are urgently calling on Congress to deliver greater certainty for rural America, provide a stronger farm safety net, and strengthen our national food security.

All of us who benefit from the bountiful and efficient food and agriculture system in America should also demand it.

The American Sugar Alliance congratulates Senator John Thune (R-SD) on his election as Majority Leader of the Senate and Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) on his re-election as Speaker of the House. Each of these members will spearhead leadership teams with strong representation from sugar-producing states.

“American farmers are vital to American strength and food security, and we are encouraged to see such strong agricultural champions positioned in these key leadership roles. We extend our sincere congratulations to Majority Leader-elect Thune and Speaker Johnson on their sweet wins,” said Jack Pettus, Chairman of the American Sugar Alliance and Vice President of the American Sugar Cane League, representing Louisiana’s sugar producers.

From coast-to-coast, American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and factory workers support more than 151,000 jobs and drive $23.3 billion in annual economic activity.

“Both the Senate and House leadership teams will be comprised of members who have a first-hand understanding of why we must keep American sugar production in America. We look forward to working with Majority Leader-elect Thune and Speaker Johnson as we advocate for our farmers, workers, and the rural communities they support,” Pettus continued.

The American Sugar Alliance is urging Congress to pass a five-year Farm Bill that strengthens the sugar safety net as soon as possible because farms and farmland are under stress with weakening prices and high costs. A new Farm Bill must reflect the realities farmers and ranchers currently face as they feed, fuel, and clothe America and so much of the world.

In a recent op-ed for Agri-Pulse, Dr. Rob Johansson, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis for the American Sugar Alliance and former Chief Economist at the U.S, Department of Agriculture (USDA), urged Congress to pass a new Farm Bill before the year ends. 

Over the past two years, Congress has held numerous hearings that have documented a brewing financial crisis caused by falling commodity prices, high input costs, and tightening farm credit. Members have heard from farmers and ranchers across the country about the need for a new Farm Bill. Now, it’s time for Congress to act. Waiting would be a mistake. 

I was the chief economist at the Department of Agriculture when the last farm bill was written and saw firsthand the impacts on our agricultural and food system caused by the changing climate, a trade war, and a global pandemic. It is important to have an updated farm bill to provide certainty for American farm families as they plan for a period of tightening operating margins and deteriorating credit conditions.

Significantly higher production costs and greater weather challenges have made it harder for family farms across the country to survive.  

USDA is projecting the largest two-year decline in cash income for farmers and ranchers since the Great Depression. Since the last Farm Bill, input costs are up 33 percent, creating serious financial headwinds for many of America’s family farmers and ranchers…

The level of farm assistance has fallen to its lowest level relative to farm income since 1981. It is clear the current suite of farm programs is fraying at the edges. Farms are leaving agriculture. Farmland is getting paved over. America is importing more and more food. U.S. agribusinesses are shuttering facilities in the Corn Belt and moving them to Mexico. And Congress is continually having to fill in gaps caused by an inadequate safety net.

America is losing farms – harming our economy and our national food security – and it’s time for Congress to act on a five-year Farm Bill that strengthens the farm safety net. 

Because of American farm families, we have the most abundant and diverse food supply in world.  Our farmers and ranchers are as efficient and productive as any in the world. We can’t risk that by making them wait longer for programs that reflect today’s realities.  They need improved certainty now for securing credit needed for the next planting season and longer-run investments in productivity.

The message is clear. Hard-working American farmers and ranchers across the country are asking Congress to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill this year.  

[F]arm and ranch families are urgently calling on Congress to pass a bipartisan farm bill that delivers greater certainty for rural America, provides a stronger farm safety net, and strengthens our national food security.  All of us who benefit from the bountiful and efficient food and agriculture system in America should also demand it.

Read Dr. Johansson’s full op-ed in Agri-Pulse to see why Congress should pass a strong Farm Bill.    

If you thought the global sugar market was cleaning up its act after being named one of the world’s most distorted commodity markets – think again.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture puts together thousands of reports, published as part of the Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), including annual reports that detail many ways foreign governments are intervening in their domestic sugar markets. The foreign subsidies and market controls detailed in these GAIN reports influence how sugar is sold on the highly volatile world sugar market, and ultimately underscore the importance of U.S. sugar policy. These reports do not delve into all the ways foreign countries support their sugar industries, such as through exchange rate and credit policies, nor do they quantify those supports as some other reports might (see, for example, 2021/22 calculations of $17.6 billion in support to the Indian sugar industry).

We’ve saved you some time and pulled every mention of sugar, compiled into an easy-to-read report here.

For most sugar-producing countries, protecting their domestic farmers, processors and markets are their primary policy objectives to ensure food security and economic stability. In fact, we found the GAIN reports detailed some sort of government intervention in 28 countries! These 28 countries typically supply 85% of the world’s exports, with more than 70% of the world’s exports coming from just three countries (Brazil, India, and Thailand).

Nearly every GAIN report we reviewed indicated that foreign countries are increasingly concerned about the competition that their domestic sugar crop farms and mills are facing from cheap, imported sugar. Essentially, most sugar-producing countries cannot compete with the highly subsidized world market and have protections in place to maintain a strong domestic industry. To do that, most countries have implemented some form of trade restriction, ranging from banning or limiting exports to increased import duties and other import controls.

The most extreme example of government oversight can be seen in India. It’s no surprise that India is the poster child of bad behavior here, as it subsidized its sugar industry by a whopping $17.6 billion in 2022 – even after being found in violation of its World Trade Organization commitments on sugar in December 2021.

Outside of government export controls, several countries also offer incentives to promote domestic sugar, such as rebates (i.e., tax cuts) for use of domestically produced sugar and ethanol blend requirements using sugarcane ethanol.

These reports show that the world market is neither a free nor fair market. Until a true free market can be developed – one where every country drops their market-distorting subsidies – Congress should continue to support a strong U.S. sugar policy in the Farm Bill. U.S. sugar policy is designed to cost taxpayers nothing while supporting family farmers, good American manufacturing jobs, and our national food security. Talk about sweet!  

Seattle, WA – Sugar is a vital ingredient in our national food supply, and U.S. farmers, workers, and food manufacturers support the sugar policy provisions in the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. Randy Green, speaking on behalf of the Sweetener Users Association (SUA) at the American Sugar Alliance’s (ASA) 39th International Sweetener Symposium, called the bill “responsive and positive” and would result in more American-made sugar.

“The Users view [the bill] as a pretty balanced package. It seems to us that the committees have been responsive to both the needs of both growers and users,” Green said. “From our members’ standpoint, we want a prosperous domestic sugar industry. That’s good for us, and good for you.”

ASA continues to assert that a strengthened sugar policy would better reflect the current economic realities affecting sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers. That is vital to ensuring that American farmers and workers can continue to grow and refine the sugar crops that supply American food manufacturers. The SUA agrees.

Both the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, passed out of the House Agriculture Committee earlier this year, and the Senate Farm Bill proposals include provisions that will provide additional financial security to sugar producers as well as implement technical updates to provide more sugar to the market earlier in the year.

“Growing the food we eat has become significantly more expensive. The commonsense improvements to sugar policy put forward by both the House and Senate better reflect the economic realities of planting, cultivating, harvesting, and refining sugarbeets and sugarcane. That will ensure our farmers and workers can continue providing SUA members with American-made sugar, while lessening our dependence on foreign countries for this essential ingredient,” said Rob Johansson, ASA’s Director of Economics and Policy Analysis.

Domestic sugar production fulfills about 75% of America’s sugar needs. Together with imports from more than 70 countries, America always has access to affordable sugar. However, both Green and Barbara Fecso, who manages the U.S. sugar program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), pointed to the challenges presented this year by an ongoing supply shortage from Mexico.

“Current market demands, in conjunction with low tariffs that have not risen with inflation for nearly 30 years, have led to additional sugar entering the U.S. market from the world market,” explained Johansson. “This demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. sugar policy. USDA has administered U.S. sugar policy in a way that ensures the market is adequately supplied with sugar and the global market has supplied more when needed.”

Five dozen farm lenders and financial experts sent a letter today to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership urging Congress to strengthen U.S. sugar policy in the Farm Bill and oppose any efforts to weaken the farm safety net.

“An effective safety net is essential when lenders consider extending operating loans to farmers, given the high levels of investments necessary to run a successful sugarbeet or sugarcane operation and the financing necessary for processing those crops into raw and refined sugar,” the letter states.

Improvements to U.S. sugar policy will help sustain a “stable financial framework for continued investment by family farmers at the farm and sugar processing levels,” the experts assert.

This letter was signed by national lender CoBank, as well as 59 other financial institutions, Certified Public Accountants, and tax professionals collectively operating in more than a dozen states. These experts have an intimate understanding of the financial challenges facing America’s farmers. The costs of growing sugarbeets and sugarcane have drastically increased by more than 30% since the 2018 Farm Bill.

Any efforts to undermine the effectiveness of our no-cost U.S. sugar policy would “increase the likelihood of farmers defaulting on their operation loans… and generally raise the financial risk associated with sugar production.”

While opponents to U.S. sugar policy would rather open the U.S. sugar market to unlimited foreign subsidized sugar imports, the consequences would be dire:

• Multi-generational family farms and more than 151,000 jobs throughout the sugar supply chain – many of which are union jobs – would be threatened.
• Production of this critical food ingredient would be outsourced to foreign suppliers who may not meet the same sustainability, labor, and environmental standards as American sugar producers.
• Food and candy manufacturers would be left wholly dependent on unreliable foreign sugar supply chains, threatening our national food security.

U.S. sugar policy has garnered a broad coalition of bipartisan support as Congress considers a five-year Farm Bill. The Farm Bill must keep it sweet in America by delivering greater certainty and a strengthened safety net for America’s farm and ranch families.

The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement on the bipartisan passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 by the House Agriculture Committee: 

“Yesterday’s bipartisan committee passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 includes strengthened sugar policy provisions that will help ensure our family farmers and workers can continue to provide an affordable and reliable supply of made-in-America sugar. We greatly appreciate Chairman Thompson’s leadership on this issue and urge Congress to enact a strong, bipartisan five-year Farm Bill this year that will deliver greater certainty for stakeholders and a strengthened safety net for America’s farm and ranch families.” 

Recently the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri released their outlook for U.S. agriculture. They project that American sugar production remains strong and is expected to grow, despite challenges we have seen over the past couple years including factory closures in Sidney, MT, and Santa Rosa, TX.

“Despite new and existing challenges, the forecast is bright for American sugar production as long as the farmers’ safety net is strengthened,” said Dr. Rob Johansson, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis at the American Sugar Alliance.

Most of America’s sugarbeet growers are beginning to plant the upcoming crop, while sugarbeet growers in California have just started their harvest and sugarcane producers in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are finishing the harvest and processing of the most recent sugarcane crop.

“The diversity of locations for sugar production is one of the underpinnings of our strong domestic supply chain for sugar — if one region is having weather challenges, another is likely enjoying good growing conditions,” added Johansson. “We have operations spread across more than two dozen states with distribution centers located across the country.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to update their forecasts for this year’s production. USDA currently forecasts a near-record 9.215 million tons of sugar will be produced in the U.S. this year, meeting about 74% of U.S. demand with made-in-America sugar supplies. That would keep America the fifth largest producer of sugar in the world, and the third largest sugar importer.

The first forecast from USDA for the upcoming year’s planting season will be in May, but based on FAPRI’s recent forecast, it is safe to assume that USDA will show an increase in sugar production from domestically grown sugarbeets and sugarcane.

Economists from Louisiana State University and the University of Tennessee also recently published an overview of the domestic sugar market in Southern Ag Today which debunks a misinformation campaign about any “sugar shortages.”

That’s not to say that there haven’t been challenges.

In February of this year, the Texas sugarcane mill announced it will close due to Mexico’s non-compliance with a long-standing water treaty, dealing a serious blow to the industry and leaving workers out of jobs. Farmers around the country continue to deal with high input costs and low profit margins, with the cost of growing sugarcane and sugarbeets up by more than 30% since the last Farm Bill. This year’s challenges have highlighted the immense importance of the flexibility of U.S. sugar policy.

U.S. sugar policy not only keeps food manufacturing lines humming and consumers supplied, it’s also a great deal for taxpayers. New estimates from FAPRI show that the U.S. sugar program is projected to remain at zero cost for the next 10 years.

A five-year Farm Bill that reflects current economic realities and strengthens U.S. sugar policy will ensure America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers can continue supplying us with a critical component of our national food supply, no matter the challenges ahead. We can all be assured that we will always have adequate supplies of American-made sugar.

That’s good news for American taxpayers and consumers.

In a recent Southern Ag Today article, three well-respected experts on farm policy – including sugar policy – criticized GAO’s recent report on sugar.

“GAO’s report did not add anything new to the discussion of the U.S. sugar program, and it missed an opportunity to finally provide a balanced report which includes the benefits provided by the U.S. sugar program,” noted Professors DeLong, Deliberto, and Fischer in their recent SAT article.

 The authors highlight that the GAO’s reliance on old analyses overlooks recent U.S. sugar market developments (like ADCVD actions against Mexico and related Suspension Agreements) and doesn’t acknowledge predatory subsidies by countries like Brazil (ethanol sector) or India (sugar sector), contributing to the world’s most distorted commodity market.

“Professors Fischer, DeLong, and Diliberto’s article highlight additional areas that GAO missed in its analysis,” said Dr. Rob Johansson, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis at the American Sugar Alliance. “As the co-authors noted, it is odd that GAO didn’t evaluate the benefits provided by sugar policy to users – including having a domestic supply chain the consumers prefer. In a nationwide poll conducted by Morning Consult, U.S. consumers preferred domestically sourced sugar to foreign sugar by a ratio of 8-to-1.”

The Southern Ag Today article underscores the necessity for a more balanced and comprehensive understanding of the U.S. sugar program. The insights from these farm policy experts spotlight critical research studies overlooked by the GAO including: How does the financial performance of sugar-using firms compare to other agribusinesses? An accounting and economic profit rates analysis; Factors Affecting Sugar-Containing-Product Prices; The impact of US sugar prices on the financial performance of US sugar-using firms; Economic Impact of the U.S. Sugar Industry; and the Sales and Costs of Confectionery Industries in North America.

The American Sugar Alliance is grateful that such respected farm policy experts as Professors DeLong, Deliberto, and Fischer have taken a critical look at U.S. sugar policy and have contributed to a more a balanced picture of farm policy and sugar production in the U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

May 2, 2023

Washington, D.C. – Today, Neil Rockstad, a sugarbeet farmer from Ada, Minnesota, testified before the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade.

On behalf of the American Sugar Alliance, he thanked Chairwoman Tina Smith (D-MN) and Ranking Member Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) for listening to the needs of American producers as they craft the next Farm Bill.

Rockstad highlighted the strengths of the domestic sugar industry and reiterated the concern shared by all Title I commodities that the safety net needs to be updated to reflect the realities and conditions farmers are facing. “The safety net must be increased in this Farm Bill for long term stability to provide secure supplies for American consumers.”

As Senator Smith noted, farmers are “the center of our economy, our food system, and our national security.” This sentiment was echoed by other members of the committee and the farmers testifying. In addition, Rockstad reminded lawmakers that “Sugar was readily available on grocery store shelves throughout the pandemic. That success is attributable to U.S. sugar policy and the heroic efforts of our farmers and factory workers.”

“Many of the jobs and businesses generated and supported by the U.S. sugar industry are in rural areas and urban areas where good blue-collar jobs have become harder and harder to find. As an industry, we are proud to provide high-paying good jobs in our communities,” said Rockstad. “In my home state of Minnesota, the sugarbeet industry provides almost 21,000 jobs and has a $3.06 billion economic impact.” Sugarbeet farmers are proud to be a part of the $16 billion in value for Minnesota, which Senator Smith spoke about in her opening remarks.

As the committee considers how to write a Farm Bill that is tailored to meet the needs of American farmers, ranchers, and producers in every part of the country, Rockstad urged lawmakers to support the 11,000 American sugarbeet and sugarcane family farmers and the employees in our mills, processors, and refineries.

It bears repeating that “effective sugar policy, which maintains a strong domestic industry, is essential to the food security of our nation.”

Read Neil Rockstad’s full testimony.

Today, the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) announced Lillie Zeng as its new Director of Communications.

Ms. Zeng was most recently Press Secretary for Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Prior to her time on the Hill, Ms. Zeng spent a decade at the Department of Agriculture where she held various roles as a public policy expert and strategic communications advisor for marketing and regulatory programs. She received her undergraduate degree from New York University and her graduate degree from Georgetown University, and grew up around agriculture in the “salad bowl” of the United States – Salinas, CA.

“We are so excited to have Lillie join the sugar family,” said Ryan Weston, ASA’s chairman. “American’s sugar producers are essential in order to provide a key ingredient for our food supply. As Director of Communications, Lillie will help us elevate the stories of our hardworking sugar farmers that provide food security for our nation and ensure their voices are heard in Washington.”

Key U.S. senators urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to “reject proposals that would weaken U.S. sugar policy and jeopardize our nation’s food security,” in a letter sent Friday. The bipartisan letter was led by Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and signed by a total of 12 senators, including Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Backed by a strong U.S. sugar policy, America’s sugar farmers and workers help provide the U.S. with an ample supply of high-quality, affordable sugar, grown and produced under some of the world’s most rigorous environmental and labor standards. 

“For decades, sugar supplies have met domestic demand through sugarbeet and sugarcane production and imported raw and refined supplies.  U.S. processors and refiners maintain stocks on hand to meet demands, and to ensure that carryover stocks are adequate during sugarbeet and sugarcane harvests,” the senators wrote. “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s own measures, today, the U.S. sugar market is adequately supplied.” 

The senators also praised the resiliency of the U.S. sugar industry, noting that “[rising] input costs, especially for fertilizer and diesel fuel, along with a labor shortage in the transportation industry, have significantly increased the cost of production for our sugar growers. Despite these current challenges, thanks to U.S. sugar policy, our sugar supply chain remains resilient and in a strong position to address future challenges.”  

Sugarbeet growers Jeff Olson of Colfax, ND, and Rick Gerstenberger of Snover, MI, and sugarcane growers Ardis Hammock of Moore Haven, FL, and Gary Gravois of Napoleonville, LA, thanked the senators for their ongoing support for family farmers. 

“We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Hoeven, Chairwoman Stabenow, and their colleagues, in standing up for farmers and our food security. We are proud to grow America’s sugar crops and play an essential role in maintaining a robust Made-in-America food supply. After a challenging year on many of our farms, we can head into harvest confident in knowing that U.S. sugar policy has strong bipartisan support.” 

A recent op-ed authored by North Dakota sugarbeet farmer Jason Schatzke and Texas sugarcane farmer Lance Neuhaus detailed how increasing costs and efforts to undermine U.S. sugar policy threaten their farms and our nation’s food security. U.S. sugar policy supports family farms and more than 151,000 jobs across the country and is designed to cost taxpayers nothing.