Presidential candidates are recognizing a need for reform of the sugar program.
Recent comments made by the 2016 presidential candidates on the U.S. sugar policy have been welcomed by the Coalition for Sugar Reform.
“We are glad to see the issue of sugar reform has become a topic of discussion among the 2016 presidential candidates,” said John Downs Jr., chairman of the Coalition for Sugar Reform and president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association. “A relic of the Great Depression, the U.S. sugar program negatively impacts American consumers, taxpayers and businesses, and we applaud those candidates who have acknowledged the program’s flaws and the need for reform.”
Recently, former Florida governor Jeb Bush announced his support for a ‘phaseout’ of the sugar program. In addition, in late June, Texas senator Ted Cruz delivered a speech citing the sugar program’s costs to American business, families and workers.
“We call on others to recognize the importance of reforming the U.S. sugar program and encourage Congress to act on this issue as soon as possible,” said Downs.
Through a series of marketing allotments, import quotas and price supports, U.S. sugar policy benefits one, small special interest group while American consumers, taxpayers and businesses foot the bill. In fiscal year 2013, the program cost taxpayers nearly $300 million, and the Congressional Budget Office forecasts that the program will cost taxpayers an additional $115 million over the next 10 years. In addition, the program puts an estimated 600,000 American manufacturing jobs at risk.
