The PNW Plays A Pivotal Role In The Sugar Industry

Over one million acres of sugarbeets are expected to be planted nationwide this year, and while many think of it as Midwest or Great Lakes crop, sugarbeets are deeply connected to the Northwest.

Not only do 600 growers across Oregon, Idaho and Washington grow about 180,000 acres annually, but the sugarbeet crop gets it’s start here in the Northwest.  Luther Markwart, CEO of the American Sugarbeet Growers and Chairman of the American Sugar Alliance, said the Willamette Valley is responsible for seeds used nationwide.

“And so if it wasn't for that special area in Oregon, we wouldn't either be able to grow our seeds or we would have to find some place probably outside the United States to grow it," Markwart said.  "So, every year our growers look to the Willamette Valley and say if it wasn't for those farmers producing our seed, we wouldn't be in business.”

Markwart said that just highlights how sugarbeets are a truly national crop.

“The northwest part of the country, both for our seed production and sugar production, is absolutely essential," he said.  "And the other thing is we've now lost the last factory in California, which supplied some of the California consumers. With them gone, we would expect more sugar out of Idaho to go fill consumers in California. So that's why that industry in that part of the country is extremely important and we've got to make sure we've got policies that maintain those producers in those areas.”

Markwart said sugar prices are down and demand has been flat for some time.  What impact could that have on growers going forward, and what does he want to see out of D.C. to help the industry?  Find out by listening to our podcast with Markwart:

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com