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FROM THE ASA Annual Sugar Conference ricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative (invited) Numerous Congressional leaders David Wasserman, U.S. House Editor, The Cook Political Report Jim Wiesemeyer, Senior Vice President of Farm & Trade Policy, Informa Economics, Inc. With the Farm Bill under discussion, trade negotiations ongoing, and interest grow- ing in global commodity markets, all eyes will be on the International Sweetener Symposium, hosted by the American Sugar Alliance from August 3-8, at Coeur d'Alene Resort in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. An all-star list of speakers has addressed past Symposiums—ranging from key legislators to USDA officials and top sugar market analysts— and this year will be no different. The list of decision makers expected to par- ticipate at this year's meeting, includes: The Honorable Michael Scuse, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agri- cultural Services, USDA The Honorable Isi Siddiqui, Chief Ag- Frank Jenkins, President, Jenkins Sugar Group Craig Ruffolo, Vice President, McKeany-Flavell Company A representative from the Mexican sugar industry Mary Kay Thatcher, Director of Public Policy, American Farm Bureau Federation A representative from the National Farmers Union Todd VanHoose, Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs, CoBank And other key leaders in the sugar community If you're still not sure whether or not you should attend, consider that it is an excellent networking opportunity for sugar producers and industry suppliers alike. And be sure to check out some of the headlines that came out of last year's meeting: Sweet News About Recession-Proof Candy Industry Not Reaching Capitol Hill Sugar Facility Closures, Job Loss Down Under Current Policy In Current Budget Environment, Agri- culture Has Good Story to Tell World Sugar Stocks Remain Tight, Prices Strong Current Sugar Policy Equals Stable Supplies in Unstable Times Sugar Should Fare Well in Farm Bill, Regardless of Timing U.S. Sugar Producers Need Fair and Equitable Treatment in Trade Deals NPD Group: Sugar Still Has Potential for Innovation and Growth USDA Official: Farm Policy Key to Continued Economic Success New Study: U.S. Sugar Industry Remains Huge Jobs, Revenue Generator New Study: U.S. Sugar Farmers More Efficient than World Competitors Sugar Policy Wins Widespread Acco- lades on Last Day of Symposium This important meeting is typically attended by more than 400 people in the industry, in- cluding sugarbeet and sugar cane growers and processors, key suppliers and other industry stakeholders. For more information about the Symposium and to find registration forms, visit www.sugaralliance.org/symposium. See you in Idaho! n 22 Sugar Producer MAY 2012