Sugar producers among hardest hit by economic slump

Hawaii has completely end sugar production throughout the island state.
Hawaii has completely end sugar production throughout the island state. | File photo

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) stated at a recent hearing that overall farm income has dropped 56 percent since 2013 and sugar producers are some of the top producers who are feeling the effects of the hurting economy. 

The sugar industry is especially feeling the effects after a beet factory in Wyoming closed and the state of Hawaii decided to completely end sugar production throughout the island state.

"In short, we have a very serious problem unfolding right now in rural America," Conaway said. "The farmers that I talk to from across the country tell me that they are very concerned that they do not see the kind of circumstances that are going to come along and end this downturn any time soon. They are also concerned that even as the prices they receive plummet, the prices they are paying for inputs remain as high as ever."

Conaway urged President Barack Obama to fight foreign subsidies and the manipulation of the market.

"So, what can we do?" Conaway said. "For Congress' part, I believe it is our duty, our responsibility to hold the line on the Farm Bill and...draw a hard line against attacks that would undermine these laws and further jeopardize our nation's farmers and ranchers."