Every five years, Congress considers legislation known as the Farm Bill which shapes food, agriculture, and conservation policy in the United States. It’s a big deal because these policies directly impact our livelihoods and the way we conduct our operations.
As a fourth-generation sugar beet farmer in Northern Colorado and a top mechanic at the Fort Morgan Western Sugar factory, we would like to extend our deep appreciation to our congresswoman, Yadira Caraveo (8th Congressional District), for her recent vote to advance the Farm Bill during its consideration in the House Agriculture Committee.
This bipartisan bill will deliver greater certainty and a strengthened safety net for Colorado’s farm families and workers. Half of all of America’s sugar comes from sugar beets, and more than 24,000 acres of sugar beets are grown right here in Colorado. As a farmer and factory worker, we depend on the security of the U.S. sugar policy provided in the Farm Bill.
Congresswoman Caraveo understands the importance of sugar to our state. Sugar beet production in Colorado supports more than 4,400 jobs and contributes $290 million annually to our state’s economy.
Being a sugar producer presents its fair share of challenges every day. U.S. sugar policy helps level the playing field, which makes it easier for us to build sustainable communities, and offer workers strong salaries, competitive benefits, tuition and certification reimbursement, and diversified safe workplaces. One-hundred percent of beet factories in the U.S. are unionized; here at Western Sugar our employees are members of Teamsters 455 union.
Hurdles like unpredictable weather and inflation have increased the cost of doing business, which all threaten the sustainability of America’s sugar industry. We can’t survive without a strong and stable safety net. The no-cost sugar policy is part of the Farm Bill and exists to combat foreign subsidies and trade-distorting policies around the globe. It helps domestic farmers, and workers survive amid price volatility and unfair trade practices which drive world sugar prices down below the cost of producing sugar
Simply put, we cannot compete with farmers who are subsidized and supported by foreign governments whether by direct loans, cash incentives or foreign ethanol programs. That is why Congress comes together to support an American industry and prevents heavily subsidized foreign sugar from being dumped on our market.
Weakening U.S. sugar policy in the Farm Bill would harm farm families and workers, leading to U.S. jobs being outsourced to countries with low labor and environmental standards.
Despite all the uncertainties, we are committed to continuing to grow sugar beets and producing an essential ingredient in America’s food supply. We are grateful to Congresswoman Caraveo for her steadfast support of Colorado’s sugar producers to ensure families like ours continue to thrive for generations to come.
Erik Frank and his family farm in Northern Colorado around the Platteville/ Gilcrest area. Mr. Frank is the fourth generation of his family to farm. Erik graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in agricultural business. He and his father operate an irrigated farm consisting of sugar beets, corn, alfalfa and wheat. Mr. Frank has been a director on the Colorado Sugarbeet Growers Association representing the growers from the Eaton/Greeley area since 2018 and has most recently served as vice president. He also serves on the Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District foundation board as secretary.
Zach Tow is originally from Brighton and moved to Fort Morgan in 2010 to work with Western Sugar Cooperative. Prior to his Western Sugar career, Zach worked at Amalgamated Sugar for two years. He started his career with WSC on Oct. 19, 2010, as a seasonal process helper. In 2012, he became full time year-round and was promoted to lime kiln operator. In 2014, he was promoted to carb/diffuser operator and in the same year was quickly promoted to a maintenance utility role. In 2015, he was promoted to top mechanic. In 2020, he assisted with coverage as a process utility and was promoted to the control room operator position due to his versatility. In 2023, he transferred to the warehouse as a top mechanic to have the ability to spend more time with his family. He is a dedicated father and community member, and WSC is proud to have him as a team member and leader. In addition to Zach’s longevity with Western Sugar, he became a union steward for the Teamsters #455 in March 2022 and has served in this capacity to date. Zach considers the sugar industry his career and plans on staying in the agricultural based industry until his retirement.
Originally Published: August 15, 2024 at 5:32 p.m.
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Publish date : 2024-08-15 12:32:00
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