Thursday July 12, 2012

Sugar Amendment Defeated By Committee

Washington, DC — The industry expressed disappointment in the defeat yesterday of a proposed sugar policy amendment in the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture.

The committee, which is developing its own markup of the 2012 Farm Bill, voted against a proposal by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) that would have made a number of changes, including repealing the sugar-for-ethanol program and returning price supports to 2008 levels.

The Coalition for Sugar Reform, which represents sugar-using companies and trade associations and is headed by NCA President Larry Graham, says: “We are deeply disappointed that the House Agriculture Committee chose the status quo over common-sense reforms that would save U.S. consumer billions and create thousands of new U.S. jobs. But the fight for sugar reform is far from over. We know that reform-minded members of the House are committed to pressing for sugar reform on the floor, and we will redouble our efforts to urge Congress to enact reforms.”

Further, the Coalition continues: “We applaud the leadership of Rep. Goodlatte and the members who supported his amendment. We urge members to have the courage to stand up for sugar reform when the Farm Bill reaches the House floor.”