Bakers: Lawmakers Missed Opportunity for Reforms in Farm Bill

Washington, D.C. – American Bakers Association (ABA) President and CEO Robb MacKie released the following statement on passage of the 2018 Farm Bill:

“Members of Congress missed a great opportunity to make reasonable reforms to outdated commodity programs in the 2018 Farm Bill. Unfortunately, the legislation prolongs protections for big sugar’s special interest that continue to force bakers and consumers to pay inflated prices for one of foods’ most perverse ingredients.” said Robb MacKie, ABA President and CEO.

“What is more disappointing is that the conference report raised the loan rate for all commodities, including sugar. While it is necessary for our nation’s farmers to have a safety net to rely on during turbulent times, big sugar has continued to gain off artificially high prices and was yet again given a Christmas present,” added MacKie.

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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 1,000 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, cookies, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $153 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 799,500 highly skilled people.