Tester stands up for Montana sugar beet growers

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after voting to block an amendment to the Farm Bill that would have eliminated protections for Montana sugar beet growers:

“This was a misguided attack on Montana’s sugar beet growers from politicians who clearly don’t understand the challenges facing sugar producers and the role they play in Montana’s economy. This amendment would have kicked the legs out from under Montana farmers, and that won’t happen on my watch.”

The amendment would have phased out a Department of Agriculture initiative for sugar beet growers that protects farmers from volatile markets by guaranteeing them a minimum price for their product.

Tester recently successfully fought back against efforts by the corn industry to rename high-fructose corn syrup “corn sugar,” calling the proposal “misleading” and harmful to sugar beet growers. 

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