Statement from ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie on the House passage of H.R. 2642:
“Yesterday’s House passage of the “Farm – Only” bill locks in place outdated farm policy such as the U.S. Sugar Program. This provision will make it more difficult to reform federal commodity policy in the future such as the U.S. Sugar Program.
This is most disconcerting as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) just announced it was forced to purchase almost 92,000 tons of surplus sugar at a loss of over $43 million to American taxpayers.
Instead of choosing a route that would allow for open debate and modest reforms, the House has decided to move forward with legislation that defies logic and common sense, and makes a mockery of sound agriculture policy.
Yesterday’s vote ensures that the arcane U.S. Sugar Program, which stifles bakers’ and other food manufacturers’ ability to hire and contribute to economic growth, is now a permanent fixture in our nation’s farm law.”
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $102 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 633,000 highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association