Farm Bill
    Senate — On June 20, the Senate concluded its consideration of its version of the 2012 farm bill. It considered 73 amendments to the bill passed out of the Agriculture Committee. Each amendment had a total of two minutes of debate – one minute in favor of the amendment and one minute against. 

Additional Imports
    On April 10, USDA issued its most important supply and demand estimate of the year.  Once this estimate is finalized, USDA typically uses this information to make a decision on any additional imports from our foreign suppliers. 

    Grower leaders are making hundreds of visits on Capitol Hill in late February and March to tell your story about the need for a strong domestic sugar policy.  This is a huge effort on their part, and they deserve the blessings and appreciation from all of our growers.  They will knock on lots of doors and talk to hundreds of people.  Because of your strong support for your political action committees, they will visit with many members of Congress at numerous political fundraisers.  Thank you for the PAC support that helps them, and us, communicate your message directly to the legislators.  There are many challenges before us and very aggressive opponents who are threatening our sugar policy.