Sugar Producer

FROM THE ASA By Phillip Hayes | Director of Media Relations Sustainable Sugar Paving a promising road for future generations 22 Sugar Producer MARCH 2019 The story of the American sugar farmer is one of trial but also of enduring hope. Hope that through the grit and grind, the crops will grow and the harvest will come. Hope that we can look to the future and find success after hardship. How do we preserve this hope for future generations? The continued success of U.S. sugar relies in large part on upholding the practices that have made our industry a leader in sustainability. Our sugar producers are dedicated to preserving the health of our natural resources, family farms and rural communities. This commitment to sustainable production is rooted in respect for our people, our planet, our product, and our fair pricing policies. PRIORITIZE PEOPLE Almost all sugar companies in the U.S. are owned by farmers or employees. The men and women who work every day to produce a top-quality product lie at the very heart of this industry. A sustainable future for U.S. sugar rests on the foundation of a strong workforce. Without farmers willing to invest their time and sweat into their fields, and workers with the skill and expertise to produce sugar, our industry would simplynot exist. The sugar industry provides Americans with the dignity of a good-paying job, with safe working conditions and equal opportunities, especially in areas where job opportunities can be limited. This stands in stark contrast to major international exporters, many of whom have risen to prominence on the backs of workers living far below the poverty line. In the face of what can often be a thankless job, our industry has cultivated a sense of community while working to inspire and educate the next generation of sugarbeet and sugarcane growers. We must continue to take pride in fostering a skilled workforce, encouraging growth and career advancement, and supporting the social fabric of our agricultural communities. PROTECT THE PLANET WHILE PRODUCING SUPERIOR PRODUCTS From the nutrients in the soil that nourish our crops to the promise of the sun's energy, we never take for granted the immensely precious gifts of this earth. Being good stewards of our environment has been, and will continue to be, a priority for U.S. sugar growers. We will carry out this mission by building upon the major advancements already achieved in the sugar industry to reduce greenhouse gasses through carbon sequestration and prioritize water and soil quality and conservation. We will also continue to invest in the technologies and farming techniques that have enabled the industry to enhance efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Using these advancements, U.S. sugar producers bring high-quality and affordable sugar products to market while aiming to utilize all parts of the crop to reduce waste and create beneficial by-products that fill customer need and improve the economic viability of our farms and factories. PROMOTE FAIR-PRICE POLICIES The majority of sugar consumed in the United States is grown, harvested and processed right here at home under some of the world's strictest rules to protect our workforce and the planet. The future requires not only high environmental and labor standards, but a public policy that encourages subsidy-free markets where prices cover production costs and improve quality of life. America's no-cost sugar policy does just that, and the industry will continue to fight for that policy. America's sugar producers have invested in sustainability for decades and continue to make strides that benefit both the workplace and the environment. Meanwhile, the global sugar market appears to be headed in the opposite direction. Overproduction, fueled by subsidies, has wrecked the market and

• Cover