Sugar Industry Leaders Tackle Federal Food Policy, Farm Innovation at Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention

By Cheryl Michelet

American Sugar Cane League

Federal food policy changes and a homegrown farming innovation that’s improving water quality in Acadiana highlighted this week’s Sugar Conference at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Annual Convention.

The two-hour session drew growers, processors, and policymakers from across the state to hear updates on issues shaping the future of Louisiana’s $4 billion sugarcane industry. While several speakers focused on farm policy and economic conditions, two key topics stood out.

Sugar Association CEO Details National Policy Shifts

Dr. Courtney Gaine, president and CEO of The Sugar Association, gave an in-depth look at how federal nutrition guidelines, food labeling, and school meal standards are evolving and what those changes could mean for sugar producers.

Gaine noted that while added sugars in the American diet have steadily declined over the past 20 years, dropping from 18% to 13% of daily calories, largely due to reduced soda consumption, obesity rates have continued to rise. She argued this disconnect often goes unrecognized in public health conversations, with sugar frequently blamed despite the data.

“Nutrition policy has major consequences for what consumers buy and what food companies produce,” Gaine told the audience. “And those consequences ultimately reach farmers.”

New policies, such as school meal regulations set to take effect this week and a proposed federal front-of-package nutrition label, are already shaping food production trends. Louisiana recently became the first state to ban artificial sweeteners in school meals, a move backed by the American Sugar Cane League.

Gaine also addressed the growing influence of the Modernization of America’s Health Act (MAHA) movement, which has driven food additive scrutiny and highlighted research that show MAHA advocates are most concerned about chemicals additives, artificial colors and artificial sweeteners in their food.

“Sugar is a natural product that’s been part of our diets for centuries, and consumers overwhelmingly prefer it over artificial alternatives, said Gaines. “Our job is to keep educating the public and policymakers about where real sugar comes from and its role in a balanced diet.”

Acadiana Farmer’s Harvester Modification Making Conservation Gains

The conference also spotlighted an on-farm conservation success story from St. Martinville farmer Buddy Oubre, who developed a modified sugarcane harvester that significantly reduces soil erosion and agricultural runoff.

After a rain-soaked 2018 harvest season, Oubre set out to design a way to keep soil and crop residue in place during harvest. The result was a custom-built hood attachment for his combine that redirects residue back into the field furrows, protecting the soil surface, retaining moisture, and reducing pest pressure.

“We saw a drastic change almost immediately,” Oubre said. “Our fields weren’t rutting up as bad, erosion dropped, and our water runoff cleared up.”

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), working with the Environmental Protection Agency, helped fund 12 of the modified harvesters through a voluntary water quality improvement program. Assistant Commissioner Joey Breaux said the innovation reflects Louisiana growers’ leadership in land stewardship. He also told farmers they can apply for help to modify their own equipment.

“This is a great example of farmers driving practical conservation solutions,” Breaux said. “When you give producers the tools and incentives, they’ll find better ways to protect both their land and our waterways.”

Learn more about the invention and the program in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ8mtMFJGCM

Industry’s Resilience on Display

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain discussed legislative issues facing the agriculture industry and new trade opportunities for Louisiana sugarcane industry overseas.

Jim Simon, general manager of the American Sugar Cane League, closed the meeting by highlighting the industry’s resilience and its commitment to scientific, sustainable practices.

“For more than two centuries, Louisiana’s sugarcane growers have adapted to new challenges while protecting the land that supports their livelihoods,” Simon said. “It’s clear that spirit is alive and well today.”

The Sugar Conference is held annually as part of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Convention, the state’s largest gathering of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders.