In a bipartisan show of support for U.S. sugar policy, Representatives Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) all spoke at the International Sweetener Symposium in Washington.
Each of the members noted the importance of agriculture, particularly sugarbeets, to their region of the country. Sugar production has a significant impact on the Pacific Northwest’s economy. In Washington state, sugarbeets drive $28 million in yearly economic impact, and in Oregon, sugarbeets have $128 million worth of economic impact. Farmers across all commodities are facing rising production costs and greater weather challenges that have made it harder for family farms to survive.
“As one of the few farmers in Congress, I understand those unique challenges our producers face,” Newhouse said. “I know that passing a farm bill is of utmost importance to our farm economy.” Newhouse expressed support for the strengthened provisions in the House Agriculture Committee’s farm bill.
