Sugar Producer

26 SUGAR PRODUCER | FEBRUARY 2022 Much of the nation's economy is slowly adjusting to a new normal. But Washington, D.C., has not yet found its new normal. Between COVID and its multiple variants and the lasting damage from the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, the Capitol Hill campus remains difficult to navigate. Public On the Horizon What the sugar industry can expect over the coming months FROM THE ASGA Luther Markwart | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT We continue to wonder about supply chain disruptions for inputs and associated cost increases. Are price spikes and input shortages short- or long-term in nature? access to the Hill remains limited. There are no signs of full reopening. In 2021 the Capitol Police force lost 200 officers due to the trauma from a year ago. Members of Congress are also grappling with the event as well as the ongoing threats to themselves and their families. Current circumstances require conducting our annual congressional "fly-in" virtually this year. Last year's virtual fly-in was a success, and we look to build on that again this year. We have a powerful message that is made more powerful when told by beet and cane farmers. By the time we get through the next election, almost half of the House of Representatives and over 20% of the Senate will have never voted on a farm bill! The educational work that must be done is tremendous. Our customers, who also happen to be our policy opponents, will be pushing legislation to undermine our sugar policy. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done

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