WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 28, 2018) – In a new group of videos released today, New York-based manufacturers Ford Gum & Machine Company, Inc. and Madelaine Chocolate Company join the chorus of voices calling for the modernization of the U.S. sugar program. Both employees and leaders from these companies discuss how the sugar program, which forces U.S.-based manufacturers to pay double for the price of sugar, affects their livelihood and puts American companies at a competitive disadvantage.
“We’re the only gum ball manufacturer left in the United States, because all of my competitors have fled either up to Canada or down to Mexico where they can take advantage of world sugar and not have to pay the excessive sugar price that U.S. manufacturers are forced to pay,” says George Stege, president of Ford Gum & Machine Co. “The time for change is long past; the time for change is now.”
In separate videos, workers at Ford Gum, as well as Rockaway Beach, New York’s family-owned and operated Madelaine Chocolate Company, both expressed the importance of their respective workplace to their families and communities. Manny, a 21-year employee of Madelaine Chocolate, called the company a “second home” and said, “This is the job that gave me the opportunity to continue life with my family, [and] support my family.”
The Sugar Policy Modernization Act (H.R. 4265 / SB. 2086), introduced by a bicameral, bipartisan group of federal lawmakers late last year, would reform the outdated and outrageous program. The proposal creates an adequate supply of sugar based on a reasonable competitive approach that reaches from the farm to the retail shelf – without risking an appropriate safety net for farmers. Congress can reform the U.S. sugar program this year as part of its consideration of the 2018 Farm Bill, which sets government agriculture policy.
Ford Gum and Madelaine Chocolate aren’t alone in calling on Congress to reform the U.S. sugar program. To hear what others are saying, watch the Alliance for Fair Sugar Policy’s new video series.
The Alliance for Fair Sugar Policy (AFSP) is a broad-based coalition advocating to modernize the outdated and outrageous U.S. sugar program. Formed by a sizeable group of small, family-owned businesses and manufacturers, retailers, food and beverage companies, trade associations, environmental advocates, taxpayer watchdog organizations, responsible government advocates, think tanks and other organizations, the group’s goal is to help level the playing field for American manufacturers and their families when it comes to being able to create jobs. To learn more about the Alliance for Fair Sugar Policy and the need for sugar reform, please visit FairSugarPolicy.org.
If you are interested in using any of the video(s), please reach out to info@FairSugarPolicy.org.