Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) met with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to discuss the economic crisis facing American sugarbeet farmers and to advocate for their fair share of the $1 billion in supplemental economic relief recently announced by the USDA.
The meeting focused on the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, an initiative designed to help row crop farmers recover from market disruptions. While the USDA has reserved an additional $1 billion for specialty crops and sugar, sugarbeet producers are currently facing unprecedented financial strain that threatens family farms and rural economies.
“Our sugarbeet farmers are facing collapsing prices and skyrocketing input costs,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “With loss ratios averaging $500 per acre and exceeding $800 in some regions, this is an industry in crisis. I urged Secretary Rollins to ensure that the sugar industry receives its fair share of the $1 billion supplemental fund. These family-owned cooperatives are essential parts of the agriculture industry, and we cannot allow them to be left behind.”
The Congresswoman announced she will continue to work closely with the USDA and the Trump Administration to ensure that the final distribution of these funds reflects the depth of the economic hardship facing the industry. She remains committed to securing a long-term solution that protects domestic producers from volatile global markets and foreign competition.
