Friday July 6, 2012

House To Discuss Farm Bill

Washington, DC — Sugar reform will be before Congress this month, as the U.S. House of Representatives is set to begin discussing the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 (Farm Bill) in committee on July 11.

An amendment offered by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) proposes returning sugar price supports to 2008 levels, repealing the sugar-for-ethanol program, restoring the USDA’s authority to set market allotments, setting goals for sugar stock levels and eliminating restrictions on the Agriculture Secretary’s ability to set import quotas.

In advance of the session, the NCA, the Coalition for Sugar Reform and 20 other trade and consumer organizations sent a letter to members of the House Agriculture Committee, urging them to support the amendment.

In addition, the NCA is urging its members to use the July recess and upcoming House work periods to meet with legislators, offer facility tours and drive home the sugar reform message.