With the Farm Bill under discussion, trade negotiations ongoing, and interest growing in global commodity markets, all eyes will be on the International Sweetener Symposium, hosted by the American Sugar Alliance from August 3-8, at Coeur d'Alene Resort in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
An all-star list of speakers has addressed past Symposiums-ranging from key legislators to USDA officials and top sugar market analysts-and this year will be no different.
The list of decision makers expected to participate at this year's meeting, includes:
The Honorable Michael Scuse, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, USDA
The Honorable Isi Siddiqui, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative (invited)
Numerous Congressional leaders
David Wasserman, U.S. House Editor, The Cook Political Report
Jim Wiesemeyer, Senior Vice President of Farm & Trade Policy, Informa Economics, Inc.
Frank Jenkins, President, Jenkins Sugar Group
Craig Ruffolo, Vice President, McKeany-Flavell Company
A representative from the Mexican sugar industry
Mary Kay Thatcher, Director of Public Policy, American Farm Bureau Federation
A representative from the National Farmers Union
Todd VanHoose, Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs, CoBank
And other key leaders in the sugar community
If you're still not sure whether or not you should attend, consider that it is an excellent networking opportunity for sugar producers and industry suppliers alike. And be sure to check out some of the headlines that came out of last year's meeting:
Sweet News About Recession-Proof Candy Industry Not Reaching Capitol Hill
Sugar Facility Closures, Job Loss Down Under Current Policy
In Current Budget Environment, Agriculture Has Good Story to Tell
World Sugar Stocks Remain Tight, Prices Strong
Current Sugar Policy Equals Stable Supplies in Unstable Times
Sugar Should Fare Well in Farm Bill, Regardless of Timing
U.S. Sugar Producers Need Fair and Equitable Treatment in Trade Deals
NPD Group: Sugar Still Has Potential for Innovation and Growth
USDA Official: Farm Policy Key to Continued Economic Success
New Study: U.S. Sugar Industry Remains Huge Jobs, Revenue Generator
New Study: U.S. Sugar Farmers More Efficient than World Competitors
Sugar Policy Wins Widespread Accolades on Last Day of Symposium
This important meeting is typically attended by more than 400 people in the industry, including sugarbeet and sugar cane growers and processors, key suppliers and other industry stakeholders. For more information about the Symposium and to find registration forms, visit www.sugaralliance.org/symposium.
See you in Idaho!