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IDFA Member CEOs Urge Congressional Leaders to Reject Farm Bill Sugar Provisions The CEOs of 17 major food companies, including IDFA members, sent a letter last week to U.S. House and Senate leaders expressing strong opposition to proposed sugar provisions in the Farm Bill. The letter highlights several proposals that would have "serious negative consequences" for sugar users, including a provision that guarantees U.S. sugar growers 85% of the domestic market, regardless of market needs and taxpayer costs, and that potentially violates U.S. international obligations."These provisions will increase taxpayer costs, threaten the adequacy of sugar supplies in the marketplace and risk harm to the interests of U.S. farmers, ranchers and food and beverage firms," the letter states. In addition, the letter asks congressional leaders to reject provisions that would increase sugar price supports, further restrict the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) ability to administer sugar import quotas, and mandate government purchases of surplus sugar for ethanol production. Otherwise, the CEOs warn, "These new provisions would make an already onerous program worse by harming U.S. competitiveness and distorting markets." The signers believe that U.S. sugar policy should support producer incomes without distorting the market. CEOs of the following IDFA member companies signed the letter: Blue Bell Creameries; General Mills Inc.; Kraft Foods; Mars Snackfood; Nestlé USA; Turkey Hill Dairy; Unilever United States, Inc.; and Wells Dairy, Inc. Other companies that signed are: The Classic Caramel Company; Crown Candy Corporation; Geraci & Associates, Inc.; The Hershey Company; Kellogg Company; McKee Foods Corporation; Primrose Candy; R.M. Palmer Company; and Rich Products Corporation. To read the letter, click here.
Posted March 3, 2008
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