Crapo Votes To Protect U.S. Sugar Program

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo made the following statement regarding his vote against an amendment to the Farm Bill offered by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) that would negatively impact Idaho's sugar industry. The amendment sought to dismantle the sugar program by partially repealing provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill that protect U.S. beet and sugar cane producers by combating the trade-distorting subsidies that other nations implement for otherwise uncompetitive sugar industries.

"The sugar industry is vital to Idaho's economy, bringing in $1.1 billion in revenue each year," Crapo said.  "The sugar program ensures sugar beet growers have access to the tools they need to produce an affordable, abundant food supply.  U.S. farmers and producers have proven themselves time and again to be the most efficient in the world, but they cannot be left alone to face a trade market undermined by foreign government manipulation, especially at a time when domestic prices have dropped nearly 50 percent since 2010."

The amendment failed with a 45-54 vote.  The Senate will continue to debate and vote on amendments to the Farm Bill this week.