Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/12153
In early May, two sugarbeet growers testified before the Committee. At a hearing in Nampa, Idaho, Nyssa- Nampa Beet Growers Association President Galen Lee said, “Congress, in its wisdom, designed a sugar policy that is working to the considerable benefit to consumers, at zero cost to taxpayers, and it is giving the remaining American sugar farmers a chance to survive. And it fully complies with the rules of the World Trade Organi- zation.” In the Cheyenne, Wyo. hearing, John Snyder, President of the Washakie Beet Growers, commended lawmakers for the way they structured the current sugar policy and asked them to continue the no- cost program. “Sugar is the only major commodity pro- gram that operates at no cost to taxpayers, and government projections through 2020 say it will remain no cost over all these years,” he testified. “For over a century, the beet sugar in- dustry has played an important economic role in the mountain region of Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and Montana,” Snyder explained to Committee members. Area sugar growers and grower-owned companies “produce 13 percent of the U.S. sugarbeet production on 135,800 acres and support 1,500 full-time factory and seasonal jobs.” 2010 Elections Between February 2 and June 8, primaries and special elections will have taken place in 25 states covering about half of the House and Senate seats up for re-election. To become the majority in November, Republicans have to pick up 40 seats in the House and/or 10 Senate seats currently held by Democrats. The outcomes of these elections could be a good indication of how voters are re- acting to the economy and job losses, and healthcare, climate change and perhaps immigration votes. How much of the anti-incumbent mood will actually play out in the voting booth? Get ready for some surprises. 2010 Cleavinger Intern We look forward to welcoming Ashlyn Gurley from Burt, Mich. She is pursuing a degree in Political Science and Environ- mental Studies at the University of Michigan and is expected to graduate May 2011. She plans to earn her graduate degree and work in the field of envi- ronmental law or policy, preferably in Agriculture. Ashlyn also worked as a public represen- tative for Michigan Sugar Company, where she represented the Michigan sugar indus- try at various events and gained extensive understanding of Michigan agricultural products. We are confident that she will be a won- derful asset to our office this summer. 35th Anniversary Congratulations to the Sugar Producer for its celebration of 35 years of support and service to our growers. Educating growers on a variety of key is- sues that impact our industry is a critically important asset in making our sugarbeet growers the finest and most progressive beet growers in the world. n www.SugarProducer.com 11