Statement on the Passing of Former USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation

The American Sugar Alliance and its more than 11,000 sugarbeet and sugarcane family farmers mourn the loss of Bill Northey, a champion for agriculture.  Mr. Northey while at USDA shepherded the implementation of 2018 Farm Bill and the sugar Suspension Agreements with Mexico. He also guided farmers through unprecedented natural disasters, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic and its shocks to the U.S. food and agriculture system.

“Under Secretary Northey will be missed by all farmers and ranchers across our great country. During his time at USDA, he helped ensure the prudent administration of U.S. sugar policy and he was instrumental in helping sugarbeet farm families weather the severe natural disasters of 2018 and 2019,” recalled Cassie Bladow, Chairwoman of the American Sugar Alliance. “American sugarbeet and sugarcane families unite our hearts and our prayers with the Northey family.”

“Bill was always looking for ways to make programs easier and quicker to implement, so as to get needed assistance to farmers and ranchers as quickly as possible.   He was tireless in his advocacy for American agriculture,” recalled Dr. Rob Johansson, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis at the Sugar Alliance.  “I personally will miss Bill and his ever-present smile and quick laugh. He was a great mentor to me and many at USDA.  He will be dearly missed.”