Boots on the Ground: Farmers Advocate for American Sugar on Capitol Hill
Each year, sugarcane and sugarbeet farmers, millers and refiners set aside their daily work, swap their muddy boots for dress shoes and step into the historic halls of Capitol Hill. Again, this year the American Sugar Cane League joined forces with the American Sugar Alliance for two weeks of fly-ins, ensuring that the voices of family farmers echoed through the corridors of power.
Walking into the heart of Washington, attendees were met with towering marble columns, grand rotundas and educational murals lining the walls of the Senate and House buildings. The weight of history was palpable as farmers wove their way through the labyrinth of hallways although the beauty of the architecture stood in stark contrast to the reality of office life – cramped, narrow spaces that felt smaller than one might expect. In some cases, meetings spilled into the hallways, with farmers standing shoulder to shoulder with congressional staff to make their case.
Adding to the scene was the unmistakable sign of transition. With a new administration in place, offices were being shuffled, and furniture lined the hallways as Senators and Representatives settled into their newly assigned spaces. Amid this organized chaos, Louisiana’s sugarcane farmers got to work.
The goal of these meetings was simple yet critical: to educate Members of Congress and their staff on the challenges facing American agriculture today. New data from Louisiana State University (LSU) highlights the financial strain on farmers, showing that over the past five years, variable costs have increased by 36%, land costs have risen by 39%, and total costs are up by 48%. Chief among these concerns are a staggering 30% increase in input costs, labor issues and, most importantly, the absence of a new Farm Bill. Louisiana’s sugarcane industry, composed entirely of family farmers, was well represented, bringing a strong contingent to advocate for policies that protect the future of domestic sugar production. The sugarcane industry is a major economic driver for the state, creating 17,000 jobs and generating $4.3 billion in economic impact for Louisiana.
Among those making the trip was Ross Noel, a fourth-generation sugarcane farmer from Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Ross, who farms alongside his father while raising three young daughters, spoke passionately about the financial hurdles young farmers face.
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Securing loans for expensive equipment, supplies and operating costs is one of the biggest challenges young farmers face,” said Noel. “I came to Capitol Hill to show Members of Congress why a strong Farm Bill matters, not just for my family but for the future of American agriculture.”
The fly-ins began with a half-day of training before attendees embarked on an intense schedule of back-to-back meetings. In teams of four or five, they navigated the halls of the Senate and House office buildings, passing through security lines and moving from office to office for at least three full days. The goal: to reach most congressional office by the end of the two-week effort.
When Senators or Representatives were unavailable, young congressional staffers – often new to the sugar industry – sat in. These staffers eagerly took notes, asked questions and welcomed the opportunity to reconnect with farmers they had met in previous years. Personal stories, family photos and industry documents helped bring the issues to life, while attendees also shared Mardi Gras beads, sugarcane billets, sugar beet pens and bagasse-based pellets which are being manufactured as an emerging renewable energy source made from sugarcane byproducts.
Farmers also took the opportunity to stress the importance of the U.S. sugar policy, a critical component of the Farm Bill that costs taxpayers nothing but ensures fair competition with heavily subsidized foreign producers. The U.S. sugar industry supplies more than 75% of the sugar consumed by American families, so while some imports are necessary, it is essential to prevent unfair trade practices that could destabilize the domestic market. Farmers reminded lawmakers that sugar is natural, American-made and an important part of a balanced diet.
With the absence of a Farm Bill looming large, these conversations on Capitol Hill were more important than ever. Louisiana’s family farmers stepped up to advocate for their livelihoods, their communities and the future of American agriculture.
