Sugar cane industry still hopes for Farm Bill passage

Like sugar cane in the late fall, the fate of U.S. farmers facing the threat of increased sugar imports is blowing in the wind in Washington.

The 2018 Farm Bill became a political football once again Friday when the House voted it down, 198-213. The defeat, orchestrated by the Republican Freedom Caucus when it didn’t get its way, was felt all the way to the heart of the sugar cane industry in Louisiana.

Rep. Dr. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, voiced his displeasure at the results and said, “Today a small group of Republicans joined Democrats to block the best chance we had to institute work requirements for food stamps so that people can lift themselves out of poverty and enter the workforce. I know that Democrats have vowed to block bills like this that President (Donald) Trump supports, but Republicans should be working together instead of holding each other hostage over unrelated issues.

“This was a good Farm Bill that implements work requirements for SNAP and provided the policies our farmers rely on for planning so that they can keep feeding this country,” Abraham said. “Those who voted “no” turned their backs on President Trump and the American farmer. They need to get on board so we can pass this bill that is critical to the success of American agriculture.”

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