Just weeks before the election, President-elect Barack Obama sent the U.S. sugar industry a letter pledging his support of a vibrant domestic sugar sector.

“I recognize the hard work and contributions you make as America’s sugar growers,” Obama wrote.  “I believe we should reward your hard work with policies that will keep your industry and your communities strong.”

The letter focused on three issues of particular importance to sugar producers: The new Farm Bill, renewable energy, and international trade.

On farm policy, Obama explained, “I was proud to support the 2008 Farm Bill. It maintains a strong safety net for family farmers, including sugar growers, and it helps you prepare for the future by supporting conservation, agriculture research and renewable energy.”

The 44th President-elect also pledged to sugar farmers that he is dedicated to “listening and working with you in the future to ensure that we have a safety net that works for all of agriculture.”

The letter further highlighted Obama’s support of biofuels and of trade policies that “contain strong and enforceable labor and environmental standards so that American farmers are able to compete on a level playing field.”

Sugar producers welcomed Obama’s support and pledged to work closely with the country’s new president once he moves into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. 

Carolyn Cheney, the chairwoman of the American Sugar Alliance, told a reporter shortly after the letter’s arrival that the industry was “very encouraged” by the letter and that Obama clearly “understands the challenges facing America’s farmers.”

Next year will prove to be a daunting one for sugar producers who are saddled with higher operating costs, falling prices, and uncontrollable subsidized imports from Mexico.  But growers are optimistic that a new Farm Bill and a supporter in the White House will give them a fighting chance to succeed.

Letter from President-elect Barack Obama.