Sugar Farmers: Stakes Have Never Been Higher
“If we value a strong food supply, we need America and Congress to continue supporting our farmers, now and in the future.” The Hill recently published an op-ed from North Dakota sugarbeet farmer Jason Schatzke and Texas sugarcane farmer Lance Neuhaus, detailing how increasing costs threaten their farms and our nation’s food security. The challenges faced by […]
American Sugar Alliance Applauds Confirmation of Doug McKalip as USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator
Statement from the American Sugar Alliance on the confirmation of Doug McKalip as the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Chief Agricultural Negotiator: “America’s sugar farmers and workers congratulate Doug McKalip on his confirmation as USTR’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” said Ryan Weston, Chairman of the American Sugar Alliance. “Ambassador McKalip will tirelessly enforce our global trading rules and […]
American Sugar Alliance Congratulates Alexis Taylor on her appointment as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
The American Sugar Alliance congratulates Alexis Taylor on her Senate confirmation to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. “As Under Secretary, Alexis Taylor brings to USDA unparalleled expertise, deft leadership, and a comprehensive understanding of the issues driving American agriculture and trade,” said Ryan Weston, […]
How Louisiana Has Sweetened America for Two Centuries
Louisiana farmers are growing sugarcane on some of the same soil their ancestors did more than two centuries ago. The key to the resilience and success of Louisiana’s 450 cane farming families and 11 raw sugar mills is simple: “We take care of what Mother Nature has provided,” said Jim Simon, General Manager for the […]
What a Treat! America’s Sugar Farmers Keep Halloween Sweet
This Halloween, Americans are estimated to spend a record $3 billion on Halloween candy for a second year in a row. Despite the inflationary rise of candy prices, the sugar in it still only accounts for a couple cents per treat. In fact, a recent study by the University of Tennessee confirmed that sugar prices are not […]
Celebrate Something Sweet!
Mark your calendars and get ready for a treat, because this week is one to celebrate all things sweet – and the people who make these special days possible! ✓ Today, October 12 is National Farmer’s Day. ✓ Friday, October 14 is National Real Sugar Day. ✓ Saturday, October 15 is National Sweetest Day. America’s […]
New Study Finds Big Candy Posting Big Profits
Life is sweet and profits are up for American confectioners, in part due to the reliability of America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane growers and the stability provided by U.S. sugar policy. A new study by the University of Tennessee did the math on candy profits: Over the past 10 years, candy corporations posted high profits […]
Senate Communicator Joins American Sugar Alliance as Director of Communications
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 […]
Sugarbeet Scientist Testifies on Sustainability Advances in Conventional Agriculture
Conventional agriculture has paved the way for farmers to make rapid advancements in protecting and promoting soil health, Dr. Rebecca Larson, Chief Scientist for the Western Sugar Cooperative, testified before the House Agriculture Committee, today. “The evolution of conventional ag practices has reduced soil erosion by 35% across the U.S.,” Dr. Larson told Congress. “Soil […]
Key Senators Urge USDA to Support Sugar Policy, U.S. Sugar Producers Praise Bipartisan Letter
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), […]
USDA Under Secretary: Opportunity for U.S. Agriculture to be Hero on Climate Change
America’s farmers have an opportunity to be “a real hero in our ability to address climate change” through improvements in productivity and climate-smart practices, but a successful climate program “has to work for agriculture.” That was the message shared by Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) for the U.S. Department of […]
Investing in Sugar’s Future
America’s sugar farming families and workers are building a brighter future through investments both in sugar crops and the talent needed to produce this essential ingredient. The grower-owned Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative in Wahpeton, North Dakota, is committed to producing sugar sustainably. Mike Metzger, Vice President of Agriculture and Research, works alongside his team to give […]
America’s Sweetest Industry Supports 151,000 Jobs, $23 Billion Economic Impact
America’s sugar farming families and workers support more than 151,000 jobs across more than two dozen states and contribute more than $23 billion to the economy each year, according to a new study from the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University. This study highlights America’s sweetest industry, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining domestic […]
Letter on Alexis Taylor’s Nomination to Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
The American Sugar Alliance (ASA) sent a letter to U.S. Senate leadership expressing deep support for the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. ASA urges the U.S. Senate to swiftly consider and confirm Director Taylor. In our current uncertain global […]
Preparing the Next Generation of Sugar Growers
Sugar farmers grow far more than beets and cane. They are also growing the minds of tomorrow’s sugar producers through programs like the Amalgamated Sugar’s Youth Sugarbeet Grower Program. Amalgamated Sugar Company, a grower-owned beet sugar cooperative headquartered in Idaho, began its Youth Sugarbeet Grower Program to invest in young farmers and ensure the industry […]
Producing Sugar Sustainably on Earth Day, and Every Day
Earth Day is a day to celebrate our planet and bring awareness to the part that we all play in making the world a more sustainable place. As stewards of the land, sugar farmers have been investing in a healthier planet for generations. They’re protecting the land that helps feed us and working to pass […]
Dr. Johansson: Sugar Forecasts and the Farm Safety Net
Column authored by Dr. Robert Johansson, Associate Director of Economics and Policy Analysis at the American Sugar Alliance. The vernal equinox, aka spring equinox, came and went Sunday, March 20, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. As all good aggies know, that means the economists at the Food and Agricultural Policy […]
Farmers Stand on the Front Lines of Food Security
National Agriculture Day is an annual day to celebrate the American farmer. In America, we spend a smaller proportion of our household income on food than any other developed country. A safe, affordable food supply with amazing variety and unequaled distribution is something to celebrate. However, as farmers prepare for spring planting this year, the […]