America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers are asking Congress to act urgently to strengthen the farm safety net. It’s important to listen as farmers share their stories. It’s just as important to recognize that farm policies affect more than just the farm — there are millions of Americans who depend on the economic engine of American agriculture.
Farm Policy Facts recently shared a piece on 10 reasons to pass a Farm Bill, noting that more than 22 million full- and part-time jobs in 2022 were related to the agricultural and food sectors. Farmers and agriculture help drive our economy forward.
When it comes to agriculture, sugar is a small commodity with an outsized impact. Sugarbeets and sugarcane are grown on a little more than 2 million acres but supply three-quarters of the domestic demand for sugar while supporting more than 151,000 jobs and driving more than $23 billion in annual economic impact coast-to-coast.
Find sugar’s impact in your state here
The crops grown by our farmers support good American manufacturing jobs as skilled workers create a made-in-America food product for your family. Many are union jobs in areas where job opportunities can be limited.
If we want to keep good American jobs in America, Congress must strengthen sugar policy.
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“In the sugar industry down in South Florida, we have about 1,200 union members who are thriving and surviving in the community because of the jobs that are being provided.”
Cornelius Fowler
Truck Driver
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“Our community, basically, it survives off the sugar industry. We’re a rural area, we’re an agricultural community.”
Terry Crawford
Central Control Room Operator
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“If it affects us as workers, it’s going to trickle down to … our communities. That could be our sisters, our brothers, our nephews, and nieces … [weakening sugar policy] would hurt us tremendously.”
Jose Medina
Refinery Chemist
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“My favorite part [of working in sugar] is telling people what we do, and how we feed America, and our jobs – how important that is.”
Joaquin Almazan
Sugar Labor Management
On behalf of our workers, farmers, and communities, we are calling on Congress to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that supports American food manufacturing and preserves American jobs.
All of us who benefit from the bountiful and efficient food and agriculture system in America should also demand it.
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