Zero Dollars
America’s sugar policy is designed to cost taxpayers nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. That seems like a pretty sweet deal. But how exactly does U.S. sugar policy work? It’s simple: The U.S. is the 5th largest producer and 3rd largest importer in the world. Existing trade deals provide preferential access to 41 countries, with the U.S. importing as much […]
Statement on Confirmation of Secretary Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture
Statement from the American Sugar Alliance on the confirmation of Secretary Tom Vilsack as the Secretary of Agriculture: “America’s sugar farmers and workers extend their heartfelt congratulations to Secretary Tom Vilsack on his confirmation as the Secretary of Agriculture. Secretary Vilsack’s support for smart farm and trade policies will allow sugar producers to continue investing in sustainable farm practices, efficient sugar production […]
Meet America’s Sugar Producers
Growing up, fourth-generation farmer Makelle Pinsonat rode in the tractor alongside her parents in the sugarcane fields of Louisiana. Now, Makelle is raising her own family on the farm. “It’s in your blood. It’s in your heart,” Makelle says. “It’s a privilege to be able to say, ‘I’m a United States sugarcane farmer.’” Across the country, Montana […]
Research in Louisiana Supports Sustainable Sugarcane Production
America’s sugar producers are constantly working to develop new technologies to further our mission to produce sugar, sustainably. These advances in technology not only help protect the environment, they also help sugar growers increase efficiencies and stay profitable. Louisiana State University (LSU) is at the forefront of sustainable sugarcane production. Dr. Kenneth Gravois is a […]
Teaching Sustainability Using Fast Food
Deep in Louisiana sugarcane country, there lies a giant hamburger. Or rather, a food plot in the shape of a hamburger. Not too far away there are similar gardens in the shape of a hot dog, a box of french fries and a taco. This is the Fast Food Farm in St. James Parish, a non-profit educational […]
The Future of Farming
If you’re interested in seeing what the future of farming looks like, look no further than the sugarcane fields of Louisiana. There, sugarcane farmer Shelby Duplantis and sugar analyst Sandor Garcia are paving new roads for young sugar producers. Watch their inspiring stories and learn how they’re committed to producing sugar sustainably. Shelby Duplantis is the fifth generation in her […]
Statement on House Agriculture Committee Leadership Elections
“America’s sugar farmers and workers extend their congratulations to Congressman David Scott for his election as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and Congressman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson for his election as the Ranking Member. We are confident that under their leadership, the House Agriculture Committee will continue its record of supporting America’s sugar producers and […]
Troubles in India Cause Price Uncertainty
It’s safe to say that we’re all looking forward to leaving 2020 in the rearview mirror. Some of the world’s largest sugar subsidizers decided to close out this year the best way they know how – by creating even more uncertainty in an already tumultuous global sugar market. Troubles in India are contributing to wild swings in global sugar prices, demonstrating once again […]
Former USDA Chief Economist to Join American Sugar Alliance in 2021
WASHINGTON – Dr. Robert Johansson will bring more than 20 years of experience to the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) when he joins the association on January 31 as the Associate Director of Economics and Policy Analysis, ASA announced today. Johansson was most recently Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he advised […]
Statement on Nomination of Katherine Tai for U.S. Trade Representative
“The American Sugar Alliance welcomes President-elect Biden’s nomination of Katherine Tai to be the next U.S. Trade Representative. Ms. Tai has an impeccable reputation as a tough and effective negotiator, with a proven track record of advancing U.S. trade interests and countering unfair trade practices. With the global sugar market more distorted and dysfunctional than […]
Statement on Nomination of Secretary Tom Vilsack
“During Tom Vilsack’s previous tenure as Secretary of Agriculture, he was a trusted partner to America’s sugar farmers and workers and strengthened the farm and trade policies that support rural America. We look forward to once again working with Secretary Vilsack at the helm of the Department of Agriculture. Together, we will protect America’s no-cost […]
New Video: Sugar is a Unique Commodity
Sugar is a unique commodity. The unique nature of America’s sugar industry, the robust sugar supply chain and the flexibility of America’s no-cost sugar policy all proved to be a strategic assets when the COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges earlier this year. Sugar farmers and workers pivoted quickly in order to keep America supplied with […]
Statement on Congressman Collin Peterson
“For thirty years, Congressman Collin Peterson has been a stalwart advocate for American agriculture. Thanks to his leadership at the helm of the House Committee on Agriculture, America’s farmers and ranchers have benefitted from smart farm policies that ensure our food supply remains abundant. Congressman Peterson’s extensive knowledge of the unique nature of the sugar […]
Sustainable Technologies Move Texas Sugar Industry Forward
Over the past two years, we’ve been on a mission to document the many ways that the American sugar industry has been delivering on its decades-long commitment to producing sugar, sustainably.
Texas Sugarcane Industry Plays Key Role Supporting Communities
It’s been a tough year for sugar farmers and factory workers in the Rio Grande Valley, as first the global health crisis and then the landfall of Hurricane Hanna created new challenges. The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers are a critical part of these South Texas communities and we have faith that working together, they will continue to support each other during these unprecedented times.
New Podcast Features Sugar Industry’s Community Efforts During COVID-19
Our friends over at Farm Policy Facts have released a new episode of their podcast Groundwork, featuring two sweet stories about how the sugar industry has stepped up during the pandemic.
New Report Finds No Evidence that U.S. Sugar Program Harms Profitability of Sugar-Using Companies
“America’s sugar farmers and workers are proud to provide our customers with more than 60 different types of affordable and sustainably produced American sugar,” said Jack Pettus, chairman of the American Sugar Alliance. “This analysis confirms what our industry has long known: the price stability provided by America’s no-cost sugar policy has no negative effect on the bottom line of sugar-using companies.”
Sour Subsidies Underscore Need for U.S. Sugar Policy
The widespread use of foreign government support and subsidies have contributed to a wildly unpredictable global sugar market. As a result, sugar exports are being dumped by dozens of countries on the world market at prices that are half the cost of producing it world-wide and well below their own countries’ internal consumer prices.
Sugar Industry Lends Helping Hand to Support Nation’s Recovery
This season might look vastly different for our farmers, our factories and our families. The challenges created by the pandemic may be new, but our dedication to preserving vibrant rural communities, farm families and small businesses has long been a tenet of the industry’s commitment to sustainability and will continue to drive our efforts to aid recovery. We’re all in this together and hope will persevere.
Sugar Industry Sustains Communities During Pandemic
America’s sugar farmers and producers’ mission for sustainability fuels their drive to help our nation’s recovery. The industry is focused on providing safe and affordable food and preserving good jobs and the communities that have been built around sugar. Even when disaster – or a pandemic – strikes. Because if there is anyone who knows resiliency, it’s an American farmer.