01/08/09

Idaho’s annual sugar beet conference is underway here in the Magic Valley, and some of the focuses are on the economy as well as the challenges sugar beet growers are facing.

It’s been a tough year for sugar beet growers. In fact, according to the University of Idaho sugar beet sales fell 30 percent this past year.

Mark Duffin, Executive Director of the Sugar Beet Growers Association says, "The industry has been through a tough year because of the high commodity prices for competing crops are acres are way down because growers can grow other crops and make more money and sugar prices were still low."

Here in the Magic Valley the biggest struggle seems to be finding land.

"They are wanting to grow beets in this coming year but there is so much competition from other crops but finding the land is hard."

But despite challenges, sugar beet experts are hoping for a good year. With President-Elect Barack Obama stepping into office, experts say they are looking forward to seeing what he will do to help production.

Experts say Obama issued a statement supporting the farm bill and they say he wants to work with the sugar industry to make sure their needs are met. Even though the nation is facing economic challenges, they don't see that affecting their program.

"Because we don't have a subsidy the federal cut backs should not affect us because we don't get any payment to begin with so it's the proper administration of the program which is mostly managing imports and trade agreements."