FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               CONTACT:   Phillip Hayes

Friday, November 19, 2010                                                                           202-507-8303

WASHINGTON—North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad (D) today announced that he would retain his chairmanship of the Senate Budget Committee instead of taking the helm of the Agriculture Committee. The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement in response:

“Senator Conrad has been a tremendous champion for U.S. agriculture and a leader on budgetary issues.  Sugar producers recognize the difficult choice he had to make and strongly support his decision to remain budget chairman.

“The budget deficit challenges facing the country are unparalleled and Senator Conrad’s knowledge, leadership, and experience are greatly needed at this point in time.  We also know that Senator Conrad will continue to be a supporter for agriculture and will play an important role in shaping the future of farm policy, just as he did during development of the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills.

“His role at the Senate Budget Committee will be essential for farmers and ranchers because the next Farm Bill will be driven, in large part, by new budget realities.  Simply put, Senator Conrad made the right decision and is where he can do the most good for agriculture.”

Many observers expect Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to chair the agriculture panel in 2011.

Senators Conrad and Stabenow are members of the Senate Sweetener Caucus and have been outspoken supporters of U.S. sugar policy, which operates at no cost to American taxpayers, helps support 146,000 U.S. jobs, and is essential to the country’s food security.

-0-

For more information about the American Sugar Alliance and U.S. sugar policy, visit www.sugaralliance.org