Farm Bill -- As of January 20, it appears that the last great hurdle of completing the farm bill is being resolved. Getting an agreement on dairy policy has held up the farm bill completion for weeks, and finally all of the key players in the debate may have found a way to exit the conflict, embrace a policy and move the farm bill to its conclusion. We will expect the bill to be passed by both Houses and to the President’s desk for signature in early February.

This has been a farm bill like no other. Now it must be defended from opponents who will seek various means and legislative opportunities to attack and undermine it. The battles over sugar policy are never over.

Read our entire issue and back issues. Click here.

Boredom is not an occupational hazard in the sugar industry. There are many diverse issues on the 2014 agenda that will impact our industry and that your grower and processor leaders will be watching and working on throughout the year.

Farm Bill — After three years of contentious battles in a toxic political environment, congressional approval of a five-year farm bill is likely in January and will be sent to the President for his signature. There has been more work on this bill than you have seen or can imagine to get it across the finish line. Again, we thank the champions of sugar policy in both the House and Senate for the great work they have done to maintain our policy and sustain our industry.

Read our entire issue and back issues. Click here.