Senate rejects amendment to end sugar program

WASHINGTON — The Senate on June 13 debated and rejected an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and others to end the sugar program.

The Coalition for Sugar Reform, which represents industrial sweetener users, said it was disappointed by the 50-46 vote against the sugar reform proposal, but added, “We are encouraged that on a bipartisan basis, nearly half the Senate clearly sees the need to debate and reform current U.S. sugar policy.”

The coalition noted it supports another Shaheen amendment that would roll back some sugar provisions of the 2008 farm bill.

The American Sugar Alliance, which represents beet and cane growers, said “Today’s vote to reject an amendment that would have repealed U.S. sugar policy is great news for taxpayers and grocery shoppers as well as the country’s food security.

As many senators noted, the current system operates without taxpayer expense and U.S. grocery shoppers enjoy prices that are well below the world average.”

Tags: farm bill, sugar program, coalition for sugar reform, american sugar alliance, crops, agribusiness, updates, sugar, farm, agriculture