Monday, April 30, 2007

Sugar users lobbying to change farm bill

U.S. sugar users and consumer advocates have formed a group hoping to reform the government sugar program in the 2007 farm bill. The Sugar Policy Alliance is focused mainly on candy and food manufacturers and job losses affecting them. The alliance has 75 signers, including Sara Lee Corporation (SLE), Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. (WWY) and World Business Chicago. Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin, D-Ill., a member of the Senate agriculture appropriations subcommittee, said at a news conference in Chicago that he supports changing the sugar program, and pointed to losses of " thousands of good-paying jobs in the candy industry" in Illinois as companies shut plants or moved to other countries where sugar is cheaper. Nationally, segments of the food industry using sugar have lost 70,000 jobs, Durbin said, without giving a time frame. "As Congress works on this year's farm bill, I intend to push hard for sugar policy reforms that are good for farmers, consumers, processors and taxpayers," Durbin said.

Steve - is it not a coincidence that Sara Lee and Wrigley are both Chicago-based corporations who have been hit hard by competition from cheaper manufacturing? They are also being hit hard because their candy/cake/junk food options are not as in demand as they once were. Sara Lee has been playing catch-up the last few years trying to offer healthier fare. As this is not their specialty, they are having a rough go of it.

With Durbin being on the committee, however, there is a good chance The Sugar Policy Alliance they will get what they want.

No comments: