Sugar Producer

Hultgren tells our story at USDA Outlook Forum Spread The Word About Importance Of Sugar Industry FROM THE ASGA Luther Markwart | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT As we move into the throws of the 2023 Farm Bill debate, it is important to tell Congress and the public about the importance of our industry to our nation. Given everything our industry faces both internationally and domestically, Congress also must strengthen the safety net that will keep us sustainable in the future. While grower leaders make hundreds of visits on Capitol Hill this spring to tell your story, we also had the opportunity for ASGA President Nate Hultgren to tell your story to the USDA Outlook Forum in late February. The forum stage represents a very large microphone that has a large and diverse audience across decision makers, the domestic value chain and international guests. It was a huge opportunity for our industry. The key points from his message were as follows: 1. The U.S. beet sugar industry is a strategic supplier of an essential ingredient in our food system. 2. Our efficient and cost-effective sugarbeet growers provide customers the most environmentally sustainable and labor-friendly product in the world. Domestic refining capacity diversifies supply. Our industry owns and maintains storage facilities in dozens of locations waiting for customers to take delivery to serve roughly 140 million Americans. 3. Global disruptions from a pandemic, climate disasters and geopolitical conflicts (Russia, China, etc.) threaten foreign production and supply chains. We already depend on foreign suppliers for more than 25 percent of our needs. 4. There are warning signs of an industry under stress. Since 1981, 23 factories have closed with Sidney, MT, soon to be added to that list. All the beet factories are farmer owned and unlike public companies our cooperatives make no profit. Share values are very low in some areas and that should "No one else is ready, willing or able to do what we do." 22 SUGAR PRODUCER | APRIL 2023

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