The High Price of Federal Sugar Policy: What’s the true cost of this “free” program?

EXPLAINER The High Price of Federal Sugar Policy: What’s the true cost of this “free” program? September 2023 What Congress Summary Can Do The modern sugar program is a protectionist racket benefiting Stop picking winners politically favored domestic producers at the expense of and losers— consumers. [...] decrease taxpayer liability for loans to sugar producers, What are some of the costs? increase flexibility for producers and repeal High prices: U. [...] Ensure access It’s an economic drain: $2.4 to $4 billion in wealth is transferred from to a generous consumers and users to a comparatively small number of sugar producers. [...] or more painful price hikes for already In addition to special treatment under the sugar program, sugar strapped consumers. [...] To maintain high prices and avoid a surplus, the USDA can take sugar off the market through forfeitures or direct purchases.